The signing that Simeone needed at Atlético de Madrid

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Celta Vigo Atletico Madrid

05/10/25 21:00:00

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David Hancko landed this summer at Atlético de Madrid with the label of an impactful signing and has not taken long to show that the €30 million invested may fall short. From day one, Simeone has trusted in his defensive strength, and in the derby against Real Madrid, the Slovak passed a major test with flying colors.

Hancko imposes security in the red-and-white defense

Atlético bet on Hancko as the left central defender, although Cholo has also tested him as a full-back when the opponent requires more defensive rigor. In the derby, with Ruggeri and Galán showing questionable defensive aspects, Simeone opted for the solidity of the Slovak and gave him the responsibility. In that harsh scenario, David Hancko performed as one of the team's mainstays.

He has played in all seven EA Sports League matches (except one against Villarreal, where he came on late) and only rested in the game against Liverpool. This consistency provides strong evidence of his immediate adaptation.

His market value supports this: €30 million. Atlético did not hesitate to go for him when, almost by chance after a failed operation with Saudi Arabia, he became available. The club formalized his signing and contract until 2030.

Versatile or indispensable? Hancko and his versatility

David Hancko is not a one-dimensional defender: his versatility allows him to adapt as a central defender or left full-back. In every game, he brings aerial solidity, defensive organization, and good ball-playing skills from the back. In recent seasons at Feyenoord, he was a key player, accumulating matches and local titles, which prepared him for the red-and-white challenge.

Simeone sees him as a guarantee, someone to rely on in tough moments. That trust is built on consistent performance and character. And in the derby, he proved it. Hancko's presence corrects some imbalances that other full-backs or left central defenders showed in times of vulnerability.

With Almada, Cardoso, and Baena sidelined due to injuries, the signings that were supposed to be pillars can hardly play. In that context, Hancko and Nico González have become the most consistent performers so far.

Simeone, Atlético, and the EA Sports League: Hancko leads

Simeone has stated more than once that the squad has the level to compete with Real Madrid and Barça, but they must prove it day by day. With Hancko recovered —the tests indicated that his discomfort is not serious—, the coach regains a key player for crucial matches.

The derby was one of those defining moments of the season. In the EA Sports League, every point matters, every technical decision is significant. And the fact that Hancko was among Simeone's chosen ones for that challenge reflects how much the coaching staff believes in his defensive character.

Now, with a contract until 2030 and the pressure to justify his cost, David Hancko has accumulated arguments: he is already a non-negotiable piece, he has already performed in the big game. He is undoubtedly the signing that Atlético needed to strengthen its ambition. And for those in doubt, they should review the derby: there, David Hancko made it clear that he did not come to Madrid for a vacation.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El fichaje que Simeone necesitaba en el Atlético de Madrid