How Diego Simeone helped his son select his next club | OneFootball

It has been a tough few days for Giuliano Simeone, who will miss most of the season after dislocating his ankle and fracturing his fibula in Alavés’ pre-season friendly against Burgos.

The youngest of the Simeone brothers, who recently signed a new long-term deal with Atlético Madrid before joining Alavés on loan, was taken away in an ambulance after receiving the hit from Burgos defender José Matos.

When Giuliano, 20, decided to leave Atlético B last summer, he had a choice to make. He netted 24 goals with the reserve team and several clubs showed interest in the young forward.

There were several attractive offers, according to Relevo. On one afternoon at Diego Simeone’s swimming pool in his family home in Madrid, Giuliano and the Atlético manager opened up Wyscout – a well-known analysis and scouting platform to analyse the style of play of each of the teams that wanted him.

In addition to this tactical examination, the two compared the squads of the suitors to see where he could get more game time. In teams with experienced strikers, perhaps, it would have been more difficult for him to be a regular starter and have the time on the pitch required for his development.

The pair finally decided that Real Zaragoza would be the best club. The conditions, the history of the club and the close ties between Atlético and Zaragoza all played a part in the decision. The deal was closed quickly and it was soon proven that Simeone had made the right decision.

The jump was a big one (from Tercera Federación to Segunda), but Giuliano connected with La Romareda from the get-go. He scored on his debut as a starter at home, and finished the campaign with nine goals and three assists. His work rate off the ball is something his father has instilled in him since he was a child, playing in River Plate’s academy.

His challenge now is recovering from his recent injury, but as an avid student of the game, the youngest Simeone will spend his time on the sidelines wisely as he looks to hit the ground running for the first time in Spain’s top flight.

Kieran Quaile | GSFN