3. Renan Lodi
Atletico Madrid secured their replacement for Filipe Luis at left-back after signing Atletico Paranaense’s Renan Lodi. He is regarded as one of the best left backs in the country and has been recognized for his speed and attacking prowess.
Lodi has been at Paranaense since 2012, joining as a youth player. The 21-year-old has played 49 official matches for the Brazilian side, scoring four goals and providing eight assists. He helped the Parana-based side to their first Copa Sudamericana crown in 2018 and played really well at the tournament.
2. Marc Cucurella
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Quickly after activating the buy-back clause in his contract, Barcelona loaned him to Getafe. Getafe now have the option to buy the 20-year-old for €6 million euros at the end of the campaign.
The full-back made 33 first-team appearances for Eibar last season and has shown a lot of potential, to attract scouts from several leading European. Cucurella is also a Spain youth international, having represented his country between Under-16 and Under-20 levels. Ironically, the wing back scored just one goal this season and that was in his final game – against Barcelona.
1. Joao Felix
New Atletico Madrid arrival, 19-year-old Joao Felix left Benfica in a stunning €126 million deal, but he has not failed to deliver at this point of the summer.
He started off the pre-season very well, and has continued to deliver impressive performances on several occasions on which he had another top dress rehearsal with the Rojiblancos. So far, the high price tag and flattering comparisons are proving to be deserved, as he managed to net 3 times in 5 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side.
The Portuguese starlet had scored or assisted a goal every 36 minutes from the total of 250 minutes he has played during Atleti’s pre-season, recording better figures than Lionel Messi ever managed in a single season.
