Robin Le Normand: Analyzing Atlético Madrid's New Defender

Since claiming the 2020/21 La Liga title and ending a seven-year title drought, Atlético Madrid have finished third in back-to-back years, whilst the most recent campaign saw them finish fourth behind Real Madrid, Barcelona and Girona. This summer, they've undergone a major rebuilding process with veteran players like Álvaro Morata (31), Saúl Ñíguez (29), Memphis Depay (30), and Vitolo (34) departing.

They've bolstered their attack with the arrival of Alexander Sørloth, who racked up the second-most goals in La Liga last season, whilst Julián Álvarez and Conor Gallagher look set to replenish their team in the coming days. As far as the backline goes, Atleti have sold Çağlar Söyüncü (28) to Fenerbahçe and allowed the likes of Mario Hermoso (29), Gabriel Paulista (33), and Stefan Savić (33) to depart for free.

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With so many defenders leaving the Wanda Metropolitano, the onus has fallen on Robin Le Normand to provide solidity to a leaky backline and help shore up the defense under Diego Simeone. After excelling in Spain's European Championship win, Le Normand has taken his talents to the Spanish capital and signed a five-year contract with the Rojiblancos.