最佳答案Marcos Llorente: From Midfielder to Hero Introduction When Marcos Llorente arrived at Atlético Madrid in 2019, few would have predicted that he would become on...
Marcos Llorente: From Midfielder to Hero
Introduction
When Marcos Llorente arrived at Atlético Madrid in 2019, few would have predicted that he would become one of the team's most important players. However, his impressive performances in midfield and as a makeshift striker have earned him a place in the hearts of Atlético fans. In this article, we will take a closer look at Llorente's journey so far and how he has become a key player for both his club and country.
Early Career
Llorente comes from a footballing family. His grandfather Ramón Grosso played for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, while his father Paco Llorente was also a professional footballer. Unsurprisingly, Marcos began his career at Real Madrid's academy, La Fábrica. He progressed through the ranks and eventually made his debut for the first team in October 2015 in a Copa del Rey match against Cádiz.
Despite showing promise, Llorente found himself behind the likes of Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos in the pecking order at Real Madrid. He was sent out on loan to Alavés for the 2016-17 season, where he helped the team achieve promotion to La Liga. He made 32 appearances and was one of the team's standout players.
A Breakthrough Season
After returning to Real Madrid for the 2017-18 season, Llorente struggled to get regular playing time. He made just five starts in all competitions and was often left out of the squad entirely. However, things changed the following season when Zinedine Zidane returned as manager.
Zidane showed faith in Llorente and gave him more opportunities in midfield. The 2018-19 season turned out to be a breakthrough one for Llorente. He made 20 appearances in La Liga, 10 of which were starts, and also featured in the Champions League. He scored his first goal for Real Madrid in a 3-0 win against Roma in the group stage.
A Move to Atlético Madrid
Despite his impressive performances, Llorente found himself surplus to requirements when Real Madrid signed Eden Hazard and Ferland Mendy in the summer of 2019. He was sold to rivals Atlético Madrid for a reported €30 million fee.
Many Atlético fans were skeptical about the signing, given Llorente's Real Madrid background. However, he quickly won them over with his hard work and determination. He made his debut in a 1-0 win over Getafe and scored his first goal for the team in a 2-0 victory over Osasuna.
A Heroic Performance Against Liverpool
The defining moment of Llorente's Atlético career came in a dramatic Champions League match against Liverpool in March 2020. Atlético had won the first leg 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano and were expected to defend their lead in the second leg at Anfield.
Liverpool dominated the match and took a 2-0 lead in normal time, which would have sent them through on away goals. However, in the 97th minute, Llorente scored a stunning goal to put Atlético ahead on the night. He then added a second goal in extra time to seal the victory and send Atlético into the quarter-finals.
Llorente's heroics earned him widespread praise and cemented his status as a fan favorite at Atlético. He was hailed as a hero by supporters and teammates alike, and his performance against Liverpool will go down as one of the greatest in Atlético's history.
Conclusion
Marcos Llorente's career has been a rollercoaster ride so far, but he has emerged as one of Spain's most exciting young footballers. His impressive performances in midfield and attack have earned him a place in Atlético Madrid's starting lineup and a call-up to the Spanish national team. He still has many years ahead of him and is sure to play a key role in the future successes of both his club and country.
