New Delhi: Atletico Madrid are getting close to acquiring the signature of Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand. The 27-year-old Spain international, is at the top of his game playing for Real Sociedad where he appeared in 43 games in all competitions last season. His consistent performances earned him a call from the Spanish team for Euro 2024. Le Normand has been a part of the Real Sociedad squad since the year 2016 playing over 300 matches for them ever since he got signed from the French side Brest.
The centre back has been an important player for Real Sociedad and at the age of 27, he looks ready for a new challenge, playing under a defensive tactician, Diego Semeone. After conceding 43 goals in 38 La Liga games this past season, Atlético manager Diego Simeone asked his team to bolster and revitalize their defence as the departure of their long servant Stefan Savic suggested that the Atletico backline would be needing a new experienced centre back. Their need for a defender increased further after Mario Hermoso turned down a contract extension while Caglar Soyuncu joined Fenerbahce on a permanent basis, spending just one season at Madrid.
Le Normand might just be the player to fill in the spot after some consistent performances for Real Soceidad over the years. Le Normand’s contract involves a deal worth €30 million plus add ons of €2 million and as the Spanish defender is still focused on Euros, he certainly will be looking to make an impression next season.
How can Le Normand fit in the Atleti system?
COLOGNE, GERMANY – 2024/06/30: Robin Le Normand of Spain in action during the UEFA EURO 2024 match between Spain and Georgia at RheinEnergieStadion. Final score: Spain 4:1 Georgia. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Spanish centre back will be looking to establish himself as a regular starter for Diego Simeone and in order to do that, he has to make the most out of his defensive attributes that involve his ability to win the aerial duels, precise passing from the back and game reading ability. It is almost certain that he will be starting alongside the experienced Uruguay defender, Jose Gimenez, who has been a part of this Atletico side for a while now. These two can blend in well as both have the physical attributes that are essential for the style of play that Simeone wants to implement.
The 27-year-old likes to play deep into his half as the last defender and his defensive style of play could benefit the Simeone’s plans as he has a reputation of being one of the best defensive tacticians. Le Normand has the experience on the pitch and besides, his ability to win aerial duels could prove a pivotal point for Atletico Madrid. He was amongst the best when it came to winning aerial duels, that made him a towering presence at the back for Real Soceidad last season.
His accuracy of passing was more than decent too, playing deep down his own half and playing those progressive long passes from the back which could benefit Atleti in the play making and build up play from the back. Overall, it might turn out to be a good signing for Atletico Madrid as their playing style heavily depends on their defensive play and for a team that was leaking goals the previous season, Le Normand just might be the missing piece to their puzzle.
Robin Le Normand and the Spanish giants, Atletico Madrid are reaching the final stages of an agreement as the Spanish centre back looks set to joint Diego Simeone’s side. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
