Diego Simeone says Depay is like a former Chelsea striker. Following Memphis Depay’s transfer from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone compared the new player to former Chelsea attacker Diego Costa. For €3 million, the Dutch attacker left the Blaugrana and signed with the Colchoneros.
Depay, 28, has played for Barca, Lyon, Manchester United, and PSV Eindhoven as a journeyman throughout Europe. In 42 games across tournaments at the Nou Camp, he scored 14 goals and added two assists.
After losing Joao Felix to Chelsea on loan, Simeone has been eager to improve his attacking options at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. I see him as a striker who can play as a lone forward or in behind, the Argentine coach said, comparing Depay to former Blues and Atleti forward Costa. He resembles Costa, a striker who first played as the second striker but eventually moved up to the No. 9 position due to his prolific goal-scoring and explosiveness.
Costa, who joined Atletico from Braga in 2007 for €1.5 million, quickly became a tremendous hit. Before signing with Chelsea in 2014 for €38 million, he played for Simeone’s team for six years.
During his 120 games at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard scored 59 goals and provided 23 assists before moving back to the Wanda Metropolitano for €60 million in 2018. Throughout his two stints at the club, he scored 83 goals and contributed 36 assists, making him a true Atleti hero. He twice led the Spanish team to the La Liga championship as well.
As they attempt to move up the La Liga standings, Atletico supporters will be hoping that Depay follows in the footsteps of Costa. They are currently in fourth place and 13 points behind league leader Barcelona.
Ziyech, an attacking midfielder for Chelsea, hasn’t played much this season at Stamford Bridge, starting just five of his 14 games and contributing just one assist. Since the Moroccan has had trouble finding his form in west London, his tenure with the Blues has been unsatisfactory.
After Depay left for Atletico, 29-year-old Ziyech reportedly offered himself to Barcelona. The former Ajax winger is aware that his playing time will be restricted for the remainder of the campaign. Before the transfer window closes in January, he wants to find a new job.
Raphinha has been underwhelming since joining the Spanish giants from Leeds United last summer, therefore Barca may be lured by a prospective move for Ziyech. The Moroccan’s Chelsea deal has two more years to run.
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