MARCA Sounds Anfield Warning Over Atlético Madrid Weakness

Spanish newspaper MARCA has today highlighted Atlético Madrid’s continuing problems at left-back ahead of their visit to Anfield.

Under the headline “Red Alert for Anfield,” the report suggests that Diego Simeone has a major decision to make after Alejandro Grimaldo’s defensive struggles during the opening weeks of the season.

Grimaldo arrived at Atlético with an outstanding attacking reputation following his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he registered 30 goals and 45 assists in 145 appearances. However, MARCA says his early performances have raised questions about his ability to defend that side of the pitch.

He was exposed during Atlético’s defeat at Athletic Bilbao and had also allowed Sevilla’s Miguel Sierra too much freedom in the previous match.

The concern is heightened by what happened when Atlético visited Anfield last season. Javi Galán endured a torrid evening against Mohamed Salah as Liverpool scored twice between the fourth and sixth minutes.

According to MARCA, Atlético’s problems in that position are nothing new. The Spanish club have struggled to find a complete and dependable left-back since Filipe Luís and Lucas Hernández departed in 2019.

Renan Lodi, Javi Galán and Matteo Ruggeri have all been questioned defensively, while Reinildo was considered much stronger without the ball but offered considerably less going forward.

Simeone has consequently been forced to experiment over the years, using players such as Saúl Ñíguez, Mario Hermoso and Yannick Carrasco on that side.

The report suggests another makeshift solution could now be used at Anfield, with Dávid Hancko increasingly likely to be moved from central defence to left-back.

Although that is not Hancko’s natural position, MARCA believes his greater defensive reliability may make him Atlético’s best option against the pace and movement Liverpool can offer through players such as Víctor Muñoz and Bradley Barcola.

Atlético were reportedly still trying to sign Nicolás Tagliafico on the final day of the transfer window, which would suggest Simeone’s concerns about the position have not been fully resolved.

The message from Spain is clear: Atlético’s left flank could be their biggest weakness—and an area Liverpool will surely look to exploit.