Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has claimed that Luciano Vietto is a “very similar” player to David Villa ahead of the striker’s imminent arrival from Villarreal.
The capital giants have seemingly agreed to meet the Argentine’s €20m release clause, and his countryman, whom he worked under at Racing Club in 2011, believes he shares much in common with the former Colchoneros attacker.
“Tactically [Vietto’s] very clever and doesn’t need a goal to be a goalscorer,” he told TyC Sports.
“I see him very similar to David Villa, although with not so many goals, but still able to work hard for the team, play between the lines and link the midfield and attack.”
Simeone then lavished praise on another new recruit Angel Correa, who overcame a heart tumour to complete his move last December, and paid tribute to Carlos Tevez, despite conceding defeat to Boca Juniors.
“[Angel] is good at one on ones, turns well and is an explosive player who still has room to improve and needs to find a place on the pitch where he’d flourish even more,” he added.
“Everything will happen in pre-season as he’ll seek to deliver his best form and we’ll find where is best for him to exploit his qualities.
“We’ve given up a lot of enthusiasm for him. Hopefully, we can achieve important things with him.”
“I haven’t spoken to [Carlos] but Atletico have. He has the option of joining Boca [Juniors].
“The most important thing is that a player of his class and calibre finishes his career at the place he wants to because he’s earned it and is much loved by the Argentine people.”
