Giuliano Simeone: Atlético’s Rising Star with Grit and Flair
Giuliano Simeone, Diego Simeone’s youngest son, was born on December 18, 2002, in Rome, Italy. He started his football career with River Plate’s youth academy in Argentina. Giuliano joined Atlético Madrid’s youth program in September 2019, a move made possible by the absence of a professional contract with River Plate, which allowed him to join the Spanish club’s Juvenil squad.
The Argentine forward made his senior debut for Atlético Madrid B on January 17, 2021, scoring in a 1-1 draw with UD Poblense in the Segunda División B. Despite his efforts, the team faced relegation that season. He continued to shine in the Tercera División RFEF, scoring eight goals in 11 games from November to December 2021.
His solid efforts gave him a brief debut with Atlético’s first squad on April 20, 2022, in a La Liga match against Granada. Giuliano was loaned out to Real Zaragoza in the Segunda División for the 2022-2023 season in order to obtain first-team experience. He scored his first professional goal in September 2022, in a 2-1 home loss to CD Lugo, and finished the season with nine goals in 36 games.
In July 2023, he extended his contract with Atlético Madrid until 2028, and he was then loaned to Deportivo Alavés in La Liga. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious injury during a pre-season friendly in August 2023, shattering his fibula and injuring his ankle, forcing him to miss a large amount of time.
Following his rehabilitation, Giuliano rejoined Atlético Madrid for the 2024-2025 season. On November 3, 2024, he scored his first goal for the club, which helped them win 2-0 over Las Palmas. His subsequent performances have cemented his spot in the first squad, demonstrating his perseverance and determination to overcome early career hurdles.
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Playing Style & Importance in the Team
Giuliano Simeone is renowned for his energetic and versatile playing style. Although he is mostly a forward, he can also play as a winger or attacking midfielder, giving his club tactical versatility. His dribbling ability and close ball control allow him to navigate tight areas and outmanoeuvre defenders, making him a reliable offensive danger.
His extraordinary pace and rapid acceleration are two of his most distinguishing characteristics. These characteristics make him especially successful on counter-attacks, when he can expose defensive flaws and create scoring opportunities. His astute movement off the ball enables him to find and create space, frequently positioning himself advantageously to receive passes or capitalize on defensive flaws.
He is physically strong and balanced, allowing him to maintain possession under pressure and hold off defenders. His excellent football IQ is obvious in his ability to read the game, anticipate opponents’ actions, and make crucial plays for his side. Furthermore, his intense work ethic and defensive contributions, such as pressuring opponents to regain possession, are consistent with Atlético Madrid’s tactical philosophy.
Giuliano has easily adapted into the Atlético Madrid system, guided by his father, Diego Simeone. The team’s regular 4-4-2 formation frequently need players who can contribute offensively and defensively. Giuliano’s versatility allows him to play a variety of roles in this formation, whether as a forward teaming with another striker or as a winger giving width and defensive protection.
His devotion to pressing and ability to disrupt opponents’ build-up play are consistent with Diego Simeone’s high-intensity, disciplined approach. This compatibility between Giuliano’s playing style and the team’s tactical requirements has aided his smooth transition into the first squad, where he has become an increasingly significant player.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Giuliano’s movements on the field are distinguished for their cleverness and unpredictability. He expertly timed his rushes to exploit defensive flaws, frequently catching defenders off-guard. His skillful dribbling and willingness to challenge opponents offer a creative spark to the Atlético assault. This ingenuity not only improves his individual performance but also creates opportunities for his colleagues.
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His excellent football IQ enables him to make quick and smart judgments under pressure. He reads the game well, knowing when to press, when to keep possession, and when to make key passes or shoots. This strategic understanding improves his performance on the field and helps considerably to the team’s overall success.
While Giuliano has shown significant potential and versatility, there are still areas where he can improve to better serve Atlético Madrid. Refining his decision-making in the final third, notably shot selection and execution, could help him score more goals. Furthermore, strengthening his aerial skills would make him a more flexible threat in set pieces and crosses.
Improving his defensive positioning and awareness can also help him succeed in Atlético’s system, which requires defensive contributions from all players. By correcting these issues, Giuliano can become a more complete player, capable of impacting the game from numerous angles and improving the team’s overall performance.
By: Sive Vishwa / @sive_vishwa
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Soccrates Images / Getty Images