Why is Marcos Llorente so important for Atleti?

The impact of Llorente on Atlético Madrid’s game is sometimes underrated. The role of an attacking wingback seems to be made for this quick and versatile player. He also takes on roles as a midfielder, right midfielder, right winger, or even a striker at times. But in this article, we’ll focus on why his absence as a dominant wingback on the right side is sorely missed by the team.

Llorente started the season in fantastic form, scoring in Atlético’s first two matches against Villarreal and Girona. He made it hard for Molina to secure a starting spot as a right wingback. However, Llorente’s contribution to the team’s play goes beyond a few goals. He is extremely dynamic, fast, strong, and has an exceptional level of physical stamina, allowing him to attack and defend tirelessly for the entire 90 minutes.

Llorente missed Atlético’s last four games, and the team has conceded in every one of those matches. Out of their five clean sheets in the league, Llorente was key. When he starts, the team concedes an average of only 0.55 goals per game, while in the four games without him, the average climbs to 1.5 goals per match. This includes the unfortunate game with LOSC and a highly controversial penalty awarded to the French team. The stats here only reflect his starts and exclude the loss against Benfica in Portugal. Although Llorente’s direct goal involvement is not high, he had a brilliant start with two goals and an assist in the first two games, followed by one critical assist in the Champions League against Leipzig.

As the stats indicate, Llorente's defensive impact is evident. But let’s talk about the extra qualities he brings to Atlético’s game. First, his tireless energy, often attributed to his keto diet, is a well-known fact. Llorente is capable of remaining highly active in both attack and defense for the entire 90 minutes. Additionally, his speed offers numerous advantages. He can quickly track back on counterattacks, and his pace is a valuable asset on the offensive front. This often forces opposing defenders to stay cautious and avoid frequent attacks. In modern football, speed is crucial in both phases, which makes Llorente indispensable for Atlético. His presence adds significant value, going beyond goals and assists. In the four matches he missed, Atlético has had one win, one draw, and two losses, which further highlights his importance to the team.