Atleti's Tremendous Anger over Álex Baena's Performance

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UEFA Champions League

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Atletico Madrid Arsenal

29/04/26 21:00:00

2.88 3.30 2.50

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Álex Baena arrived at Atlético de Madrid last summer as one of the major signings of the market. The red and white club spent over 40 million euros to secure one of the most decisive Spanish footballers in the league, expected to make an immediate impact at the Metropolitano.

However, just a few months later, the outcome is profoundly disappointing. The player who shone in LaLiga for his creativity, flair, and assist-making ability has faded into a secondary role, causing significant unrest among the Atletico Madrid fans.

From market star to irrelevant signing

Before donning the red and white shirt, Álex Baena epitomized imbalance. His statistics spoke volumes: seven goals and ten assists in the previous season, along with a striking record of 18 assists in the 23/24 season. He was one of the most productive offensive midfielders in Spanish football and an absolute reference in the final third.

Atlético de Madrid made a strong bet on him with the intention of enhancing their offensive creativity. Baena was brought in to be a game-changer, to take on responsibilities, and to become one of the creative leaders of the team. The investment demanded this and the context seemed perfect for his definitive breakthrough.

The reality has been far different. In his first 20 official matches as a red and white player, across all competitions, the tally stands at two goals and one assist. These are meager numbers for a player signed as a star, who moreover has had minimal impact on the collective game. In too many matches, he has gone unnoticed, lacking weight, influence, and consistency.

Simeone, the system, and the ongoing debate

The disappointment has triggered a profound debate within the Atletico environment. A part of the fans directly point fingers at Diego Pablo Simeone. They believe that the system of the Argentine coach does not leverage Baena's strengths, restricting him to defensive tasks and keeping him away from areas where he could truly make a difference.

His position on the field, often shifted or burdened with tactical obligations that dull his creativity, has diminished his impact. Baena no longer wanders freely between lines, he doesn't receive in advantageous positions, nor can he consistently link up near the opponent's area, something he did in his previous spell.

Nonetheless, there are also critical voices regarding the player himself. He is reproached for his lack of personality, limited capacity to shine in big games, and a too slow adaptation to the demands of a club that allows no room for errors. At Atlético, talent alone is not sufficient; character, intensity, and consistency are required, areas in which Baena is yet to step up.

A disappointment demanding an immediate reaction

Regardless of the source of the problem, what is indisputable is that Álex Baena is turning out to be the major letdown of the red and white season. An exciting signing that, so far, has not justified neither his price tag nor the expectations generated. Atlético de Madrid cannot afford such a substantial investment to fade away without a response.

Patience exists but is not endless. Baena needs to react promptly, regain confidence, and assume a more decisive role. Simeone, on his part, will have to decide whether to adapt his system to maximize the player's potential or demand an evolution from the player that hasn't materialized yet.

Time is ticking, and the verdict at the Metropolitano tends to be unforgiving. Álex Baena still has a chance to alter the narrative, but as of today, his performance epitomizes one of the great frustrations of the season for Atlético de Madrid.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tremendo enfado en el Atleti por el nivel de Álex Baena