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Jan Oblak — 8.
Excellent save in the first half when Ramon Azeez headed down and towards the Slovenian. Wasn’t troubled in the second half aside from the disappointing late consolation.
Kieran Trippier — 8.
Involved in the first goal with a smart header into Correa’s path. Atlético Madrid are reliant on full-backs to not just get involved in attacks but to start them. The England right-back was not shy in getting up the field and whipped in a couple dangerous crosses.
Stefan Savić — 7.5.
Kept Jorge Molina quiet throughout in a typically no-nonsense performance without being brilliant. Clattered into Felipe in the first half awkwardly, too. Will be interesting to see if he keeps his place when José Giménez returns from his coronavirus quarantine.
Felipe — 8.
Another solid game from the Brazilian. Pushed slightly further forward than Savić in an effort to help Saúl and Koke in midfield. More ambitious passing from him than Savić, too. Caught out for the goal as Molina made a nuisance of himself. Only blot on his copy.
Renan Lodi — 8.5.
A good start to the season from the other Brazilian. A constant threat down the left, always keen to get forward. Linked well with Carrasco and was solid defensively, too. Atlético need a reinforcement at left-back, but this is Lodi’s place and he impressed.
Saúl — 7.5
Played in a position not entirely native to his style of play. Without Thomas in the lineup, Saúl played in central midfield behind Koke. He does not dictate play or control it the way Rodri used to or Partey can. Did well though, and Granada struggled to get control of the game. Had a penalty saved that might have been important but shook it off and played well. More needed in the future, though.
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Koke — 8.
Another understated, selfless performance. Far from the creative hub of the team and doesn’t need to be with Félix in such fine form. Covered lots of ground as usual, and made sure Atlético didn’t lose a step in midfield despite playing an attacking lineup with Carrasco and Correa on either side.
Yannick Carrasco — 7.5.
Not his usual rampaging role on the left of midfield. He mostly drifted inside and tried to help out Félix. He said he wasn’t fully fit upon returning to Europe in the middle of last season but he is back to his tireless self now, helping in defense and providing Atlético another attacking gear. Not as close to goal as he might like to be, or as wide as he is accustomed to playing, but the Belgian occupied an important role on the counter when the game was still in the balance.
Correa — 8.5.
Atlético focused a lot of their attack down the left in the first half and Correa only showed some glimpses of his ambition on the ball. Took his goal to start the second half very well as he kept a calm head, took the pass from Félix down, and finished low beyond Rui Silva.
João Félix — 9.5.
Won a penalty and showed flashes of brilliance in the first half. Fouled a couple of times in that opening 45 but still frustrated with lack of space and chances. Really came into his own in the second half. When the ball is at his feet, anything seems possible. Wonderful assist for Correa to make it 2-0 and then scored to put the game to bed as Correa returned the favour. Suárez eventually stole the headlines, but a very serious start from Atlético’s record signing.
Diego Costa — 9.
Landed his first goal of the season with a good header after eight minutes. Still looked a little slow with decision-making inside the box once or twice, but seems to have improved his connection with Félix. Could have scored a second, but slid and kicked the ball at an awkward angle. Involved in Félix’s goal and played well despite rumours surrounding his future.
Substitutes
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Luis Suárez — 10 (just because of the expectation and the entertainment).
What can you say? He was given just 20 minutes to make an impact and only the most optimistic of fans expected him to make one. Bagged an assist with his second touch. Minutes later, he blazed wide after a lovely spin inside the box. He got his debut goal shortly after as he headed across Rui Silva to make it 5-0. A dream debut for anyone — but there was more. Suárez scored his second in injury time in what will go down as one of the best 20-minute debuts in LaLiga history. They won’t all go his way, but Suárez offers an energy Atlético lacked in recent years and clearly is still an excellent footballer.
Marcos Llorente — 9.
The Uruguayan debutant stole the headlines, but Llorente has started this season like he ended the last. A versatile, energetic attacking player with lungs that don’t quit, Llorente scored and assisted in 20 minutes as himself and Suárez lit up the Wanda upon their introductions.
Thomas Partey - 7.
Came on with Suárez and Llorente but was overshadowed obviously. Looked keen to get involved in attack despite persistent links with Arsenal. Diego Simeone changed his formation and left Thomas out, which might have hurt. With just over a week left in the transfer market, Atlético will try to hold on to the Ghanaian, who should return to the starting line-up soon.
Thomas Lemar
Atletico were winning 4-0 when he came on with 13 minutes left. Didn’t have a chance to make an impression, but the fact he was used at all means Simeone might be planning to have him for the remainder of 2020.
Vitolo
Another player linked with a move away. Didn’t have enough time to make an impression.
Poll
Mattress Maker of the Match versus Granada:
This poll is closed
-
1%
Marcos Llorente
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57%
João Félix
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3%
Ángel Correa
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36%
Luis Suárez