Football Season Guide

Another summer rebuild has sparked optimism at Atlético, after last season's marquee signing of Julian Alvarez ultimately ended up with the same result of a third-placed finish and no silverware. Competing on all fronts until March, Atleti's form then faded away as their away form continued to cost them, with five of their six defeats all season coming on the road. A poor Club World Cup showing didn't help to improve the mood around the club. Atleti have looked to bring in reinforcements across the midfield, particularly with long-serving attacker Angel Correa and key midfielder Rodrigo de Paul moving on, as well as a number of squad options. They've been replaced with more youth than experience, with the likes of Marc Pubill, Thiago Almada and Matteo Ruggeri reducing the squad's average age. The most eye-catching arrival is that of Alex Baena from Villarreal, adding a creative force as La Liga's leading assist provider last season into a midfield which struggled to create opportunities late on in the season. He will be looking to create for Julian Alvarez, who scored a career-best 29 goals in 57 games last season. The question mark will hover over whether Atlético have not reinforced enough, particularly in midfield, where depth was an issue last season, and in defence, where veterans Reinildo, Axel Witsel and Cesar Azpilicueta have departed.