Julián Álvarez and Jonathan David: Simeone says they can play together

Atletico Madrid are weighing an attacking combo of Jonathan David and Julián Álvarez, with Diego Pablo Simeone making it clear: “they can also play together.” The Canadian arrived this summer on loan from Juventus, with a €25 million buy option.

David has found his rhythm fast: three goals and two assists in 251 minutes across six matches, in a window where Sorloth’s injury and Álvarez’s early-season dip were felt. The Argentine, meanwhile, has been rebuilding his best level after a summer where talk of a move to Barcelona was louder than his football.

Simeone’s plan has already had Champions League tests. In Anfield on Atletico’s opener vs Liverpool (2-1), Álvarez played the full match while David came on for the last 17 minutes. In the most recent game vs Manchester United, they shared the pitch for just 10 minutes.