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Atlético Madrid player ratings versus Valencia

The 3-1 win solidifies Atlético’s position atop LaLiga.

Atletico Madrid v Valencia - La Liga Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Jan Oblak

Made a save early at his near post and couldn’t do anything for Uros Račić’s 11th-minute golazo. Atlético Madrid took control after that and he was rarely troubled, but alert nonetheless — 7.

Stefan Savić

Calm and composed on the ball as Atlético enjoyed the majority of possession. Not as many chances to see his battling qualities, but did lay down the law on a couple occasions. Looks entirely comfortable on the right of Diego Simeone’s back three, regardless of whether it’s Trippier, Vrsaljko or Carrasco ahead of him — 8.

José Giménez

Back in the centre after missing some time, and after Mario Hermoso’s absence. Tested Jaume Doménech early with a towering header. Kept Maxi Gómez, Valencia’s main outlet, very quiet throughout. Simeone’s chosen three are incredible individually, and even better as a unit — 8.

Mario Hermoso

Returned to the starting 11 with a decisive performance. Early in the second half, he headed over from a corner when he might have done better. But minutes later he beat a defender and sent Félix free down the left before Suárez nestled the winner into the bottom corner — 8.

Šime Vrsaljko

Went off at half-time. Got a bad knock after a late tackle and saw a yellow shortly afterwards. Was taken off without making much of an impact either way, but never made any glaring mistakes. He remains a work in progress, and doubts remain over his hold on the position in Kieran Trippier’s absence — 6.

Yannick Carrasco

Had a good battle going in the first half against the lively Yunus Musah and switched to the right after Vrsaljko went off. Heavily involved in that opening half and might have been even more involved on the right. Key to Atlético’s transitions, and vital in Simeone’s plans — 7.

Marcos Llorente

Not his best game in a red and white shirt. Snapped at a shot in the second half but made his trademark galloping run into Valencia territory to assist Correa’s goal, which put the game to bed. Hard-working and so tough to track with tired legs — 7.

Atletico de Madrid v Valencia CF - La Liga Santander Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Koke

The captain’s influence is not always apparent, but when you compare Atlético’s fluency on the ball with that of Wednesday’s display against Eibar, it becomes obvious. He helps Atlético build and dictates play in the middle of the field — 7.

Thomas Lemar

Delivered the ball into Félix for the equaliser. Could have had a late-first half penalty when Gómez’s wayward leg cut him down in the box. Stayed on until the 85th minute, showing again how he has grown into a pivotal player — 7.

João Félix

He did very well to beat his man at the back post on 23 minutes and score his sixth this season. Laid one off for Suarez later on, which was blocked. Tried the same minutes after, and this time Suárez made no mistake. Good return to action for the Portuguese youngster — 8.

Luis Suárez

A 54th-minute goal on his birthday. Suarez wasn’t as involved as he was against Eibar, but he was still decisive with a lovely finish to put Atlético 2-1 up. Finished the game as he looks to build on his goal tally, which stands at a league-high 12 — 7.

Substitutes

Renan Lodi

Replaced Vrsaljko at the break. Did well defensively, but not as adventurous as we have grown accustomed to seeing from Atlético wing-backs. Still has a way to go before he wins back Simeone’s trust, but a promising display from a player previously out of favour — 7.

Ángel Correa

Entered for Félix on 62 minutes. Wonderful, calm finish on 72 minutes after Llorente pulled the ball back for him when you might expect the Argentine to blast it at goal. Nearly had another later on when Torreira played him through — 7.

Geoffrey Kondogbia

Only on for 15 minutes as he replaced Llorente, and Atlético were defending a lead when he entered. Continues to get minutes here and there, holding the fort down when he does — 6.

Lucas Torreira

Came on for Lemar after 85 minutes. Nearly made a goal in his limited time, with a good tackle and cross for Correa.

Poll

Mattress Maker of the Match versus Cádiz:

This poll is closed

  • 36%
    Suárez
    (204 votes)
  • 50%
    Llorente
    (279 votes)
  • 6%
    Koke
    (36 votes)
  • 6%
    Lemar
    (36 votes)
555 votes total Vote Now