### Defensive Analysis: Mario Hermoso's Performance for Atlético Madrid

#### Introduction

Atlético Madrid, the Spanish football club known for its defensive prowess and tactical expertise, has been consistently underperforming in recent seasons. Despite their strong defensive record, they have struggled to match the quality of their opponents' attacks. This article will delve into Mario Hermoso's performance during his tenure at Atlético Madrid, examining how he contributed to the team's decline.

#### Early Seasons (2018-2019)

In the early seasons of 2018 and 2019, Atlético Madrid showed signs of improvement, with their defense becoming more efficient. However, it was not until the mid-season period that significant changes began to be observed. The arrival of new players like Carlos Tevez and Raúl Riquelme brought fresh energy to the team but also led to a decrease in possession time on the ball.

Hermoso, who had been part of Atlético's attacking midfield unit since 2017, saw his role diminish significantly as the club struggled to maintain a solid defensive line. His contributions were limited to occasional assists or crucial saves against top-tier teams, indicating that his defensive abilities were not as potent as expected.

#### Mid-Summer Season (2019-2020)

The midsummer season saw a marked improvement in Atlético Madrid's defensive performance. With the arrival of new defenders like Andrés Iniesta and Luis Suarez, the team demonstrated improved stability in their defensive lineup. These additions not only provided more depth to the backline but also enhanced the team's ability to hold up against opposing defenses.

Mariano Gomez, one of the key defenders,Match Prophet played a pivotal role in maintaining the defense's effectiveness. His presence helped keep the opposition out of attack zones, allowing Atlético Madrid to score more goals and maintain control over the game. As a result, the team's defense started to show signs of strength, even if not on a consistent basis.

#### Late Summer/Early Fall Period (2020-2021)

The late summer and early fall periods continued to see Atlético Madrid struggle to maintain their defensive form. The absence of key players like Sergio Ramos and Javi Ibeas meant that the team's defense became increasingly vulnerable. The introduction of new defenders like Juan Cuadrado and Lucas Vázquez further weakened the defensive line, leading to a decline in overall performance.

Despite these challenges, Atlético Madrid still managed to maintain a relatively high level of defense, albeit without the same intensity as before. The team's defensive struggles were mainly due to a lack of sustained pressure from their opponents and a poor execution of their tactics.

#### Conclusion

Mario Hermoso's performance during his tenure at Atlético Madrid was mixed at best. While his contribution to the team's defensive line was notable, it was overshadowed by the team's overall defensive issues. The club's downward spiral can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the loss of key players, inconsistent tactics, and a decline in the quality of their opponents' attacks. To improve Atlético Madrid's defensive record, the club needs to focus on improving their core defensive capabilities, particularly in terms of player selection and tactical execution.

• Performance
• Analysis
• Defensive
• Hermoso
• Mario