Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has moved to downplay comparisons between Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.

The coach's comments come after Felix himself spoke of his desire to emulate his compatriot:

"Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or trophies and this is the dream of every player. Obviously I would like to be like Cristiano."

Joao Felix ❤ Cristiano Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/SOpMGCl5xK

— GOAL (@goal) July 31, 2019

Per Goal's Joe Wright, Simeone said:

"No, I don't think Joao Felix is like Cristiano. 

"The reality is that he has a good game to observe. I've enjoyed watching him since he arrived. He has vision and good control going forward, which speaks well for his age and how he plays and how he reads the game.

"We are going to add situations to help him grow and become a better and stronger player in the way everyone thinks he will."

Given Felix and Ronaldo are both Portuguese, comparisons were perhaps inevitable once it became clear the 19-year-old is a superstar in the making.

Felix signed for Los Rojiblancos this summer in a €126 million (£113 million) deal, making him the fourth-most expensive player of all time.

Atleti snapped him up after a breakout season with Benfica, in which he netted 20 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, having made 33 starts.

He's yet to play a competitive fixture for his new side, but he has impressed in pre-season.

The forward bagged a goal and two assists in Atleti's 7-3 win over Real Madrid, and he added another goal and assist as they beat MLS All-Stars on Wednesday:

Atletico Madrid came to Orlando and shut out the @MLS All-Stars for the first time since 2011. 😳 #MLSAllStar

Catch all the highlights in our 90' in 90" pic.twitter.com/HBxwQlPF1w

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2019

He's a skilful and versatile operator with plenty of pace, and he's comfortable creating or taking chances.

Comparing him with the Juventus star isn't particularly helpful, though.

It will only pile more pressure on his young shoulders, and his enormous price tag will already be a heavy burden to bear.  

For the fourth straight year, the MLS All-Stars have failed to defeat a top-flight European club.

Marcos Llorente scored in the 43rd minute, Joao Felix added another in the 85th minute and Diego Costa topped things off in extra time as Atletico Madrid earned a 3-0 win over the MLS All-Stars in the 2019 MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday at Orlando City Stadium.

The MLS All-Star team consistently struggled to find any holes in the Atletico Madrid defense. It was an example of a team's cohesion overwhelming an All-Star team, with Atletico acting as the aggressors throughout.

The MLS All-Stars finished with just 10 shots to Atletico Madrid's 19. The La Liga club had eight of their shots on goal, compared to two for MLS—despite the All-Stars holding possession for 59 percent of the match.

Antonio Adan held things down in net on the few times he was tested.

Llorente broke a stalemate that lasted almost the entire first half, taking a through ball from Rodrigo Riquelme and sending a shot from the center of the box into the net. Atletico continued to dominate throughout the second half as MLS failed to find any legitimate goal opportunities. MLS consistently worked the ball methodically, only for its attack to get snuffed.

JOAO FELIX!

There he is! Atletico's phenom blasts it past Rimando to double the lead. #MLSAllStar pic.twitter.com/j132aJiViA

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2019

With the game essentially in hand, Atletico poured things on with goals from Felix and Costa late. Felix sent a shot rocketing from outside the box to make things 2-0 in the 85th minutes and then assisted Costa on his finish to seal the deal in the third minute of extra time.

After back-to-back wins over Bayern Munich (2014) and Tottenham Hotspur (2015), the MLS has struggled to field a team to take down one of Europe's best. Arsenal took the All-Stars down in 2016, while Real Madrid (2017) and Juventus (2018) got things done in penalty shots each of the last two years.

This is the first time the MLS All-Stars were shut out in this event since Manchester United hung a 4-0 spot on them in 2011. This ties the second-most lopsided loss of the MLS vs. Europe format.

The 2019 MLS All-Star Game will take place on Wednesday when Atletico Madrid take on the cream of the MLS crop at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

The MLS All-Stars have not won the traditional midsummer match against European opposition since they beat Tottenham Hotspur in 2015.

The 2019 squad is packed with quality and includes the likes of Carlos Vela, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

Mark you calendars 📅

This squad will take on Atlético Madrid in the MLS All-Star game on July 31!

(📍 @Target) pic.twitter.com/FmnK0WfkSX

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 24, 2019

However, Atletico are fresh from thrashing their local rivals Real Madrid 7-3 in New Jersey, so confidence in Diego Simeone's squad will be high.

                      

Date: Wednesday, July 31 

Time: 8 p.m. ET, 1 a.m. BST (Thursday)

TV Info: FS1 (U.S.), Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Mix (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Soccer Match Pass, Sky Go

                   

Atletico put on an exhibition against Real in the International Champions Cup on Friday.

They blew their city rivals away, taking a 5-0 lead by half-time and eventually netting seven, four of which came from Diego Costa.

Record signing Joao Felix was also on the scoresheet against Los Blancos, and he picked up the man-of-the-match award:

—Goal
—Two assists
—Man of the Match
—7-3 win over Real Madrid

A sign of things to come from Joao Felix ✨ pic.twitter.com/N9tdIXnNkN

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 27, 2019

The All-Stars' theoretical advantage over Atleti is that all their players are fit as they are in the middle of a competitive MLS season.

The Madrid outfit, meanwhile, are only in pre-season ahead of a new La Liga campaign.

Based on their demolition of Real, though, Atleti are not suffering from any post-holiday sluggishness, and they will be relishing the opportunity to take on the best MLS has to offer.

Felix will be a key player to watch on Wednesday. The 19-year-old enjoyed a stunning breakout season in 2018-19, netting 15 goals and providing seven assists to help Benfica win the Portuguese title.

The teenager subsequently secured a £113 million move to Atleti at the start of July.

Felix has big boots to fill at the Wanda Metropolitano after being signed as Antoine Griezmann's replacement, but he has displayed no signs of feeling that pressure, and Wednesday's game will give him another chance to impress against some top-quality opposition.

The 2019 MLS All-Stars squad boasts star players from across the globe. Rooney, Vela, Ibrahimovic, Nani, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Nicolas Lodeiro will be teaming up with United States internationals Matt Hedges, Brad Guzan, Chris Wondolowski, Walker Zimmerman and Graham Zusi.

It should be a fascinating clash at Exploria Stadium given the talent on both sides, and the MLS All-Stars will be eager to break a recent run of three losses in succession. 

Prediction: MLS All-Stars 1-2 Atletico Madrid 

The 2019 edition of Major League Soccer's annual All-Star game sees the select side take on La Liga giants Atletico Madrid at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday.

The All-Stars are looking for their first win in the series since they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in 2015.

Atletico Madrid go into the match fresh from dismantling bitter rivals Real Madrid 7-3.

                                       

Date: Wednesday, July 31

Time: 8 p.m. ET, 1 a.m. BST (Thursday)

TV: Fox Sports 1 (USA), TUDN USA

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go (USA), TUDN En Vivo (USA)

                    

Key Players

Joao Felix, Atletico Madrid

There's a lot of pressure on Joao Felix at Atletico Madrid after the club snapped him up to replacement Antoine Griezmann for €126 million (£113 million) this summer.

The 19-year-old offered an encouraging sign that he'll be able to shoulder that burden with his performance against Real, though:

—Goal
—Two assists
—Man of the Match
—7-3 win over Real Madrid

A sign of things to come from Joao Felix ✨ pic.twitter.com/N9tdIXnNkN

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 27, 2019

He set up Diego Costa's opening goal in the first minute and scored himself after just eight minutes.

The forward then picked out Costa with a superb through ball for the Spaniard's fourth.

The Spanish Football Podcast and football writer Graham Ruthven were impressed:

It's only a friendly of course, but wow Joao Felix looks good. Silky, skilful, confident.

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) July 27, 2019

https://twitter.com/grahamruthven/status/1154923018285703169

Felix has pace, skill and end product already despite his tender age, so he'll be the danger man for the All-Stars to watch out for.

                       

Carlos Vela, MLS All-Stars

Los Angeles FC star Carlos Vela will captain the All-Stars on Wednesday, having donned the armband last year, too.

The 30-year-old is having one of the best seasons of his career this year, having plundered 22 goals and 13 assists from 21 matches in MLS.

This has become a recurring sight:

Vela on his left foot.

Again and again and... #CLBvLAFC pic.twitter.com/ofW0KzWaxA

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 12, 2019

The Mexican has plenty of experience of playing against Diego Simeone's side from his time with Real Sociedad, and he's in red-hot form.

However, he'll need to bury the hatchet with team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Per ESPN, the LA Galaxy striker said he is "by far" a better player than Vela and that it was a "mistake" to compare the two after netting a hat-trick in their clash earlier in July:

🎩 🎩 🎩@Ibra_official's second MLS career hat trick! pic.twitter.com/FDegsRqlJW

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 20, 2019

Ibrahimovic has 16 goals and three assists in 17 appearances this season, and the pair could form a potent partnership if they can find a way to work together.

Atletico Madrid chief executive officer Gil Marin has said the club remain in the hunt to sign James Rodriguez from Real Madrid, while Los Blancos counterpart Zinedine Zidane has suggested he'll have no say in the matter. 

James, 28, recently returned from a two-season loan at Bayern Munich and has been linked with a cross-city move to join rivals Atletico. Marin spoke to ESPN (h/t AS, via Goal's Jack McGrahan) and confirmed there is mutual interest between all parties:

"I know that many clubs would like him. Even talking to a player, he believes that there are qualities that the player could bring and that it is good for us.

"I know that our coach [Diego Simeone] likes him. I know that James does not want to continue in Real Madrid, and I know that Real Madrid doesn't want him to continue, but there have to be many circumstances to make it possible.

"It would be very nice, but it depends a lot on the president of Real Madrid."

Napoli have looked like the strongest suitors in pursuit of the player thus far, and manager Carlo Ancelotti is understood to be seeking a reunion with his former Bayern Munich charge.

Agent Jorge Mendes arrived in Naples on Thursday to advance talks with Napoli, with Real said to be demanding €50 million (£44.8 million) for the player, per Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa of Marca.

Zidane recently distanced himself from the transfer discussions and told reporters: "It is a matter for the club. It is something between them—the presidents—not me."

Italian football writer David Amoyal said only a permanent transfer will do for the Colombian, who joined Real in 2014 but hasn't made an appearance for the club since May 2017:

I was told James Rodriguez does not want to join a team on loan following his experience at Bayern, he wants his next club to acquire him on a permanent basis

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) July 25, 2019

Marco Asensio recently ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and could miss the entire 2019-20 season. With Gareth Bale looking likely to leave, that could affect the club's plans for James, wrote the Evening Standard's Ben Hayward.

Madrid rivals Real and Atletico will meet in a friendly in the 2019 International Champions Cup at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Friday.

Zidane added: "We are working with the players here. We think about the first league match. Nothing changes. I don't think about that, who will replace Marco, no. We are touched by the injury, but there is a game tomorrow. We will see later."

James scored 15 times and recorded 20 assists in 67 appearances for Bayern, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in Germany:

Diego Simeone has overhauled his Atleti team this summer and already recruited Marcos Llorente from Real.

Eleven Sports recently shared a reel of James' best moments for club and country, the kind of form Atleti and Napoli each hope they could coax out of the player if they signed him:

| 🔥 |

Atletico Madrid are after James Rodriguez! 🇨🇴

At times, he looked a world beater for Real Madrid... could he re-ignite his #LaLiga career across the Madrid divide? 👀

13 reasons why he'd be pretty decent 👇 pic.twitter.com/onaVllleCt

— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) July 23, 2019

James—who has a contract at Real until 2021—is at a crossroads and may look to start afresh in Serie A, or make another attempt at glory in Madrid by crossing the divide to join Los Rojiblancos.

Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo has said there's no agreement in place between the club and Real Madrid that would prevent them from moving for James Rodriguez. 

Following a two-year loan spell with Bayern Munich, Rodriguez will return to the Spanish capital this summer, although it's anticipated he will be sold.

Atletico are one of a number of clubs to have been linked with the Colombia international. Cerezo was asked whether any gentleman's agreement had already been broken between the two clubs this summer, with Marcos Llorente joining Atletico from Real, per Pablo Egea of Marca:

"There has always been a harmonious relationship with Real Madrid and with all the teams in Spain. When we are interested in a player, whoever it may be, we talk, check and in the end we have managed to get them to come to our team, but it doesn't mean that any pact or good harmony with Real Madrid or with Sevilla or Cordoba has been broken."

When pressed on possible interest in Rodriguez, Cerezo was coy. "James is a good player, and Atletico are always interested in good players, but I can't tell you if he's coming because I don't know," he said.

In addition to Atletico, Napoli have also been linked with a move for the midfielder. Their manager is Carlo Ancelotti, who helped get the best from Rodriguez in spells as Bayern and Real boss:

28 - Including Liga and Bundesliga James Rodríguez have been involved in 28 goals in 32 league games under Carlo Ancelotti (14 goals, 14 assists). Diez.

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 19, 2019

Before moving to Bayern, Rodriguez enjoyed success at Real Madrid. Here is a look back at some of his best moments in the Spanish top flight:

2⃣8⃣ today!#HBD to the Colombian wizard, @jamesdrodriguez! 🇨🇴🧙‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/oGELKOn7Cr

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) July 12, 2019

However, with manager Zinedine Zidane opting to using a 4-3-3 system towards the end of his first spell in charge, there was no natural place in the starting XI for the Colombia star, who is at his best when operating in the No. 10 position.

As such, Rodriguez requires freedom to flourish, which is at odds with the typical principles of Atletico boss Diego Simeone. The coach is renowned for his defensive tactics and has traditionally used a 4-4-2 system, which wouldn't suit Rodriguez, either.

Following a busy summer transfer window, Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC commented on the challenges facing Simeone next season:

An Atletico attack of [say] Morata ahead of a line of James, Joao Felix and Lemar would be very much unlike anything Simeone has managed before.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) July 15, 2019

If Rodriguez were able to find his best next term, he would be a big asset for whatever club lands him. While the Colombian may toil out of possession, he is dangerous with the ball at his feet, able to conjure magical passes and score goals from almost anywhere in the final third.

Having already signed a Real player this summer, the lines of communication between the two Madrid giants are evidently open. If Atletico were able to pull off a deal, it would be another fascinating addition in a busy summer at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Kieran Trippier is keen to learn from Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone following his move from Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old joined on a three-year contract, and he's looking forward to working with the Argentinian:

Per Goal's Patric Ridge, he told Atletico's website:

"It's an amazing feeling. I've always wanted to play abroad, and what a place to play.

"A fantastic team, an unbelievable manager and I'm just looking forward to getting on with it now.

"They've been to some major finals, they've done so well in La Liga over the years. They have world-class players and a brilliant manager.

"I can't wait to work with the manager, learn from the manager and help the team be a success in the future. You can see how close he is with his squad."

Simeone took charge of the club in 2011, and he's won La Liga and the Copa del Rey once apiece and the UEFA Europa League twice. He has also guided Los Rojiblancos to two UEFA Champions League finals.

The team have finished in the top three of the Spanish top flight in each of his seven full campaigns in charge. The last time they had done so before he took over was in 2002.

Tom Allnutt of AFP and football commentator Adam Summerton believe the coach could improve Tripper's game:

Fair play to Trippier, had other offers in England but instead takes on huge challenge in a different country, with the most demanding defensive coach in the world. In a new-look Atleti back 4, could be just the reboot he needs.

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) July 17, 2019

Not long ago English footballers were criticised for not expanding their horizons. Now I’m seeing wisdom of Trippier’s Atleti move being questioned.
Honestly can’t see anything but positives - Simeone a great coach to work on certain deficiencies in his game too

— Adam Summerton (@adamsummerton) July 17, 2019

The right-back's delivery from open play and set pieces make him a valuable contributor in the final third, but he can be inconsistent with the defensive side of the game.

He struggled for Spurs last season on the back of what had been an excellent 2018 FIFA World Cup with England.

Simeone's Atleti side are known for their solidity at the back, having conceded an average of just 26 La Liga goals a season in his seven full campaigns as manager.

If he can help Trippier hone his defensive capabilities, the Englishman will be a fine asset in the Spanish capital.

Kieran Trippier is now officially an Atletico Madrid player after the Spanish club confirmed the right-back's arrival on Wednesday.

Trippier has signed a three-year contract after leaving Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur:

📝 | Agreement with @SpursOfficial over the transfer of @trippier2.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The Englishman has signed a three-year contract 😀

👋 Welcome to the Atleti Family! 🔴⚪🔴
👉 https://t.co/Wg399LgNOg#WelcomeTrippier #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/wATXjFnCbb

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 17, 2019

The England international has cost Atleti an initial £20 million, according to BBC Sport's David Ornstein:

Kieran Trippier’s move from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid is a done deal - England right-back has passed his medical and signed a four-year contract in a deal worth ~£20m plus add-ons, ending his four-year spell at Spurs. Transfer to be announced this evening #THFC #AtleticoMadrid

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 17, 2019

Trippier's arrival continues the refresh of a rugged defence that's lost some veteran personnel this summer. There is an opening in the right-back berth after 34-year-old Juanfran left the club in May.

Juanfran walked away after a successful spell that included winning La Liga, the UEFAEuropa League twice and the Copa del Rey. Trippier will offer similar qualities, specifically the engine and athleticism to be an asset going forward and a willing defender when tracking back.

The 28-year-old has matured during his time with Tottenham, going from a player of promise to a consistent performer at the highest levels on both the club and international stages.

Kieran Trippier: Only Lucas Digne and Ryan Fraser (both 48) made more accurate crosses from open play than @trippier2 (40) in the Premier League last season

For more player stats -- https://t.co/dp56LFcN1C pic.twitter.com/pOtM0VnnPQ

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 16, 2019

GOAL! Kieran Trippier scores for @England with a fabulous free-kick! pic.twitter.com/WRQctKZakk

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 11, 2018

Being strong in both phases of the game will help Trippier win a spot in the starting XI ahead of Croatia international Sime Vrsaljko. His presence also helps fortify a unit sure to miss not only Juanfran's experience but also the leadership of Diego Godin after the latter joined Inter Milan.

Trippier's arrival continues what has been a busy summer of activity in the transfer market for Atleti. The club has also acquired defensive midfielder Marcos Llorente from Real Madrid, snapped up playmaker Hector Herrera on a free transfer from Porto and spent €120 million to sign Benfica forward Joao Felix.

As for Spurs, the Lilywhites have earned a healthy fee for a player at a position where Mauricio Pochettino's squad is already well-stocked. Serge Aurier is a dynamic player on the overlap, while 22-year-old Kyle Walker-Peters has plenty of potential.

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Kieran Trippier has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with Atletico Madrid ahead of a £20 million transfer. MailSport's Mike Keegan reported on the deal on Tuesday:

I understand there’s a decent chance Kieran Trippier will be heading to Atletico Madrid from Spurs. Things currently moving in the right direction.

— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) July 16, 2019

Matt Law of the Telegraph had details on the transfer fee:

Told Kieran Trippier is travelling to Madrid with a view to completing his £20million move to Atletico. More to follow on @TeleFootball

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) July 16, 2019

According to Marca's Isaac Suarez, Trippier has already agreed to a four-year contract.

Per the report, Atletico wanted to land Nelson Semedo from Barcelona in the transfer that took Antoine Griezmann to the Camp Nou. When that possibility fell through, they turned their gaze to Trippier.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from north London for months, as he lost his spot as an automatic starter last season. 

Napoli were most frequently highlighted as a possible destination, but in May, Radio Kiss Kiss (h/t Football Italia) reported on the possibility of Atletico "hijacking" the move. 

The Rojiblancos will be signing one of the Premier League's best crossers of the ball:

Kieran Trippier: Only Lucas Digne and Ryan Fraser (both 48) made more accurate crosses from open play than @trippier2 (40) in the Premier League last season

For more player stats -- https://t.co/dp56LFcN1C pic.twitter.com/pOtM0VnnPQ

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 16, 2019

The transfer continues a summer of massive turnover for the Spaniards. They said goodbye to stars like Griezmann, Diego Godin, Rodri and Lucas Hernandez, and have already signed the likes of Joao Felix, Marcos Llorente and Hector Herrera.

On Tuesday, Marca (h/t Football Espana) also reported Mario Hermoso will join the club from Espanyol:

BREAKING - #AtleticoMadrid have signed #Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso, report Marca. More follows.

— Football España (@footballespana_) July 16, 2019

Trippier will add athleticism and movement at the right-back position, which was in need of an upgrade. Santiago Arias was solid in his 20 La Liga starts last season but lacks the attacking mindset Trippier brings. The 34-year-old Juanfran left the club when his contract expired at the end of the season. 

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo said the club have "evidence" to back them in their dispute with Barcelona regarding Antoine Griezmann's transfer fee.

Barca announced the Frenchman's capture on Friday after activating his €120 million buyout clause, but according to Atletico, the club and player had agreed a deal before his clause was reduced from €200 million on July 1.

Cerezo told RAC1 (h/t Goal's Dejan Kalinic): "If the club have made this statement, it's because there's evidence. We have to study it, and we'll demand the amount we consider to be necessary."

Griezmann signed for Barcelona little more than a year after publicly deciding to stay with Atletico rather than join them:

✌️ Life is all about second chances. pic.twitter.com/5ArFiaP2ht

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 12, 2019

Shortly after the announcement of his move, Atletico released a statement that read:

"Atletico Madrid considers that the deposited amount is insufficient to cover his buyout clause, since it is obvious that the agreement between the player and FC Barcelona was closed before the clause was reduced from €200 million to €120 million."

Griezmann announced his intention to leave Los Rojiblancos on May 14, which the Spanish club also cited: 

"Atletico Madrid believes that the termination of the contract happened before the end of the last season due to facts, acts and demonstrations made by the player, and therefore has already initiated the procedures it has deemed appropriate to protect their rights and lawful interests."

The 28-year-old contributed 133 goals and 50 assists in 257 appearances with Atletico.

Sports writer Andy West thinks he'll be an excellent addition at Barca, but he'll also face challenges ingratiating himself at the Camp Nou:

What I'm not sure about with Griezmann is the personality fit. Suarez and Messi are incredibly tight together, and he'll be stepping into the middle of that. He'll have to introduce himself to that inner circle with care, restraint and discretion. Not easy.

— Andy West (@andywest01) July 12, 2019

The Catalan giants have become increasingly reliant on Lionel Messi in recent years, while 32-year-old Luis Suarez isn't quite the same force he once was, despite netting 25 goals last season.

Griezmann will be able to share their goalscoring and creative burden and provide another match-winning option for the team.

A legal dispute between the club and his former employers is far from an ideal start to his Barcelona career, but on the pitch, he should be an excellent asset as the team look to battle on multiple fronts next season.