Antoine Griezmann’s Evolving Role at Atlético Madrid
When Diego Simeone announced the starting eleven to the Atlético Madrid players before the match against Espanyol, Antoine Griezmann was notably absent from the lineup. Throughout most of his seasons with Atlético, which celebrates a decade this year, starting on the bench would be considered astonishing, except for his debut year and during his return from FC Barcelona. However, that’s not the case this time around.
Griezmann has been gradually adjusting to a secondary role, a transition he began testing towards the end of last season. His last campaign started energetically, netting 14 goals and providing five assists during the first six months. However, he fizzled out, losing his starting position and often coming on as a substitute. “We have always talked about the necessity of the team first. From there, we all need to feel important in the roles we occupy,” stated Simeone in April regarding the talented Frenchman. This sentiment has resonated at the beginning of the current season.
Griezmann was previously known for racking up over 3,000 minutes a season, playing nearly every match, and being a significant component of Atlético’s offensive strategy. With his impressive tally of 198 goals, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer, alongside 86 assists, his pedigree is undeniable.
That said, the 28 minutes he played on Sunday indicate a dramatic reduction from his usual playtime. More concerning than the quantitative aspect is the qualitative one. Over the last few matches, his performance rating — according to Sofascore — has dropped nearly a full point, from 7.3 to 6.3. Whoscored rated him with a 5.72, marking him as the lowest performer for Atlético against Espanyol. Data from Stats Perform revealed that Griezmann touched the ball just four times against Espanyol, completing only two passes.
When asked if the team performance dipped after changes were made, Simeone tackled the question cryptically, stating, “I learned something from what we saw,” but later clarified that the match was well under control “until the 60th minute.” Griezmann entered the field at the 68-minute mark, subbing in alongside Raspadori for Almada and Baena, but Atlético’s performance did not improve significantly.
Competition and Hunger
In addition to the growing competition for starting roles, Griezmann’s age also plays a crucial factor in the dynamics of the squad. The intensity of motivation can differ significantly between a 34-year-old and the 24-year-olds like Baena and Almada. Physically, Griezmann appeared less agile than in previous seasons; last year many argued he had been overused up until January. Yet, in this opening game of the new season, he did not display exceptional pace.
In the midst of last season’s downturn, speculation began about a potential transfer to the MLS, especially given Griezmann’s affinity for American sports. Ultimately, however, he extended his contract with Atlético for two more years, taking a significant pay cut in the process.
A Closed Roster
As the summer transfer window remains open for another two weeks, discussions about Griezmann’s potential exit are still circulating. Atlético’s sporting management has been notably active this window, with nine new signings. It is assumed that the squad is closed unless a major departure occurs.
Regardless of the outcomes, Griezmann’s quality still positions him to reclaim a central role this season. Without the international duties for the French national team, which he renounced in September 2024, he could experience less wear and tear compared to international competitors like Baena and Almada.
The season is lengthy, and there’s no assurance that Griezmann won’t have a turnaround year compared to the last one — perhaps starting off slowly only to finish on a high note. His ability to contribute significantly will also depend on Atlético’s extended journey in various competitions this season. Simeone undeniably relies on his most trusted and lethal soldier, and the outcome will not hinge on Griezmann’s performance alone.