The Copa America winner is said to be closing in on a summer move to Atletico Madrid.
Argentina benefitted highly from Rodrigo de Paul‘s presence in Copa America. The midfielder put on an impressive showing in the finals against Brazilians, helping La Albiceleste win their first major title after 28 years.
Now, Atletico Madrid are expected to reap the same benefits as Argentina, as they are on the verge of completing a deal for the 27-year-old.
Diego Simeone‘s side have always made prudent signings over the years, but De Paul would be their best ever yet.
With the transfer fee said to be at €35m, Atletico have made a bargain of a transfer in De Paul.
Rise to prominence in Serie A
De Paul has been playing in Serie for Udinese since 2016 but has garnered attention over the last two seasons. The former Racing star quickly became one of the best midfielders in Europe regardless of Udinese’s form. Perhaps from the start of the 2018 season, De Paul has managed to rack up 25 goals and 25 assists in Serie A, and that are some numbers for a player in a club like Udinese. The goals and assists alone wouldn’t surprise you, as his stats in the 20/21 season show that he was arguably the best central midfielder in Italy.
Remarkable Copa America campaign
De Paul managed to carry his excellent form to the Argentine national team with whom he recently won the Copa America. His role was key to Lionel Scaloni’s side as he was tasked with providing the creative edge compared to the other midfielders. Perhaps, De Paul didn’t disappoint in any single game, and he was gigantic in the quarter-final and finals. In the final against Brazil, De Paul produced his best performance of the tournament, putting his heart out to get La Albiceleste over the line. From setting up Di Maria’s opening and winning strike to putting a shift in the defensive phase, De Paul made sure that the Argentine would be leaving the tournament only as winners.
Atletico will become dangerous with the addition of De Paul
Last season, we witnessed Los Rojiblancos ascend the throne by leaving Barcelona and Real Madrid behind their trail. One of the crucial features of that side was the terrifying midfield of Koke and Marcos Llorente. Now De Paul’s addition would be icing on the cake for Simeone, who will maximise his chances to continue dominating the Spanish top flight.
