Without Sorloth and with Alvarez off form, Simeone surprises in Atletico test

Context and Importance

The 2026 European pre-season carries a problem few clubs escaped: the tight post-World Cup calendar. Atletico Madrid felt this firsthand during recent training tests, when Diego Simeone had to deal with absences and out-of-form players precisely in the team's most sensitive area, the attack.

The most striking case is the absence of Alexander Sorloth, the club's top scorer last season, who was unavailable for the test. Without him, Simeone had to turn to less obvious alternatives for the centre-forward role, something rare for a team that usually has clearly defined attacking hierarchy.

Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez remains at the center of transfer speculation involving Barcelona, but everything indicates the Argentine will stay at the club. The issue is that he still doesn't appear to be at his ideal fitness level, a direct reflection of the physical and mental toll of playing in a World Cup just months earlier.

What Happened

During pre-season work, Simeone fielded a different attacking setup than expected. Without Sorloth available and with Alvarez still building fitness, the Argentine coach opted to test an alternative solution up front, surprising those who follow the club's daily routine.

The decision reinforces a well-known pattern of Simeone: he isn't afraid to shake up the starting lineup when he feels the team needs adjustments, even if it means temporarily setting aside established players.

The name that gained space in the test drew attention precisely for not being the first option fans imagined. This shows Simeone is willing to experiment with tactical variations early in the season, a sign that planning for 2026/27 could bring surprises.

Impact on the Club/Competition

For Atletico Madrid, Sorloth's absence at such an early point in pre-season raises a flag. The club needs reliable attacking options to compete in La Liga and advance in the Champions League, and any instability in that position could prove costly over the season.

Alvarez's continued presence, on the other hand, is good structural news. Keeping the Argentine in the squad gives stability to the attacking unit, even if he needs a few weeks to regain his ideal match rhythm.

These adjustments also affect how Simeone will build Atletico's tactical system. An attack without a clearly defined hierarchy forces the coach to rethink movements, ball distribution, and even the defensive structure, since the Colchonero side is known for balance between both phases.

Reaction from the Football World

The Spanish press specializing in Atletico coverage treated the episode as a warning sign, but also as an opportunity to observe new tactical alternatives from Simeone. The absence of a reference centre-forward sparked debate about who could take over the starting role once the official season begins.

Atletico fans, historically demanding, were divided on social media. Part of the fanbase views Simeone's willingness to test new options favorably, while another portion fears the lack of a solid number 9 could compromise the start of the season.

Meanwhile, in circles close to Barcelona, Alvarez's continued stay at Atletico was received with a degree of resignation by those closely following the transfer rumors. The deal, it seems, has not progressed enough to materialize at this time.

Relevant History

Diego Simeone built his career at Atletico Madrid on a foundation of tactical solidity and pragmatism. Since taking charge of the club, he has rarely started a season without a clearly defined reference centre-forward, making this moment particularly unusual.

Sorloth arrived at the club with the mission of filling exactly that historic demand for a fixed striker, a role previously held at different times by players like Diego Costa, Luis Suarez, and Antoine Griezmann.

Julian Alvarez, meanwhile, quickly became a key piece since his arrival, showing versatility to play both centrally and out wide, a characteristic that helps explain why Atletico is reluctant to sell him, even amid Barcelona's interest.

Numbers and Statistics

Even though this is still pre-season, some numbers help contextualize the relevance of both players to Atletico Madrid. Sorloth established himself as a relevant scoring option last season, while Alvarez arrived at the club with the status of a major signing following his successful spell at Manchester City.

Alvarez's continued stay also preserves the club's investment in signing him, one of the most talked-about deals in South American football in recent years involving Spanish football.

What Comes Next

In the coming days, Simeone is expected to continue testing attacking variations while awaiting Sorloth's full return to training. The definition of the starting centre-forward should only be settled just before the official season opener.

Julian Alvarez, for his part, should gradually gain minutes until regaining the match rhythm lost during the post-World Cup rest period. The club has a direct interest in seeing him at full form as soon as possible.

On the transfer front, the situation involving Barcelona continues to be closely monitored, though current signs point to the Argentine staying in Madrid at least for the start of the season.

Expert Opinion

Simeone has always been a coach of strong convictions, but also pragmatic enough to adapt when circumstances demand it. Testing an alternative attacking option without Sorloth isn't a sign of weakness, but rather of a coach who prefers to experiment early rather than be caught off guard during the official season.

If Sorloth returns in good condition and Alvarez recovers his best football, Atletico Madrid could pleasantly surprise this season. The risk lies precisely in depending on two factors that, for now, remain uncertain.