Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano, 18, tearing it up for Atletico in pre-season and could be answer to dad’s striker crisis
GIULIANO SIMEONE could be the answer to his father's striker crisis at Atletico Madrid following some impressive displays in pre-season.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone is looking for a centre-forward that can play as back-up to star man Luis Suarez with the likes of Joao Felix and Angel Correa failing to convince last season.
The Argentine boss' son Giuliano, though, has stood out in Atleti's first two friendlies against Numancia and Red Bull Salzburg as he participated in both goals scored.
The winger, who can also play at No9, helped set up Mario Soriano's opener on his senior debut during last week's 1-1 draw in Soria, which the visitors won on penalties.
The 18-year-old then scored for the Spanish champions against Salzburg at the the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday.
However, his goal was overruled by VAR as he was caught offside and so Atletico lost 1-0.
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Nevertheless, Giuliano continues to show progress and is earning his father's trust ahead of a demanding season.
It is no secret that the LaLiga giants are looking to strengthen in attack and that is why they tried to bring Antoine Griezmann back to the Wanda Metropolitano.
Simeone insists there was no nepotism involved in his son's promotion to the senior squad.
On the contrary, the 51-year-old head coach has stated that he earned his way to his plans for the upcoming campaign.
In fact, the Atleti chief didn't rule out a potential return to the reserve team.
Simeone recently told : "His growth comes from the minor categories, from youth to Atleti B and that was not managed by me.
"The growth speaks to what the coaches worked with him. We have decided that he should join us, he is still small, but he has important things to improve and demonstrate.
"Time will tell if he stays with us or stays at B or wherever the club decides."
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