Mario Mandžukić completes move to Atlético Madrid
Atléti have already found their Diego Costa replacement.
Stu Forster
Atlético Madrid haven't taken their time finding a replacement for their outgoing striker Diego Costa, as they've already confirmed the capture of Bayern Munich's Mario Mandžukić. The Croatian international has passed a medical and signed a four-year contract with the club.
It was obvious they needed to find a replacement for Costa up top, not least with another of their striking stars, David Villa, now plying his trade in Australia ahead of a move to New York City FC.
Mandžukić is just about the best ready-made replacement they could have hoped to sign. At a reported €22 million he comes in under the price at which they’re selling Costa to Chelsea, and while Mandžukić isn’t quite as good as the Spanish international, he shouldn’t have a problem slotting into Diego Simeone’s attack.
Much like Costa, he’s a very physical presence up top, and is as strong in the air as he is with his feet. In that respect, he should have no problems with Atléti’s direct style. He’s certainly not a creative all-round striker, though Los Colchoneros under Simeone have tended to play with a pretty static main striker regardless; someone to act as a point of reference for the more mobile playmakers behind.
Feeding off cutting passes and deep crosses from Koke and company, Mandžukić should prove to be an excellent signing for Atléti.
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