Atlético de Madrid supporters are no doubt still celebrating in the aftermath of the club’s 6-0 Champions League obliteration of Sparta Prague last night.
Diego Simeone’s Colchoneros outfit dispensed with their more familiar modus operandi and, instead, put on a goalscoring clinic at epet ARENA, which saw former Manchester City striker Julián Alvarez and substitute Ángel Correa each bag a brace.
While much of the fan fair will surround the Argentine duo, the influence of England international midfielder Conor Gallagher cannot be understated.
🏴🤯 Conor Gallagher achieved a 100% pass accuracy rate during 90 minutes of football for Atlético Madrid tonight. pic.twitter.com/wZJfy2bBKs
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) November 26, 2024
Having completed all 42 of his passes on the night while contributing an assist on Marcos Llorente’s goal in the 43rd minute, it was the overall performance of the Cobham academy product that once again flew under the radar.
Beyond his contributions on the ball and in the final third, the 24-year-old showed his tactical versatility after being deployed on the left of a midfield four.
He won 75% of his ground duels, recovered possession on four occasions, completed two interceptions, and offered three defensive actions on top of it (per Fotmob).
It is this type of all-action performance that endeared him to both Chelsea and Crystal Palace fans alike.
And it should come as no surprise as to why Simeone loves him, but also, why Thomas Tuchel is likely to see him as a key cog in the England wheel moving forward.
📸 PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU – AFP or Licensors