HomeUEFA EuroAtalanta- Italy's Talent Factory

Atalanta- Italy’s Talent Factory

By Asif Nasser

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Atalanta finished Serie A with 78 points in third place, scoring ninety goals (more than any other club) in the process. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have been so dominant in the recent seasons so much so that nine of his players have earned a call to the Euros. Only Juventus features more players in the competition than Atalanta from Serie A.

 

 

Atalanta has become a potent attacking unit that tears up even the best defences in Europe. A system that embodies players that are versatile to different styles of play. A club that has found profits by consistently selling its potential talents while still paving way for Champions League football. Atalanta is setting itself up as the modern club.

 

THE TALENT FACTORY

Atalanta has one of the best youth systems in Europe that has a tradition of nearly eighty years. The club has been consistently able to produce players that are sought after by clubs across Europe and in recent times has picked up more notice than before. Unlike the youth systems in Barcelona where a style of play is dominant, Atalanta produces versatile footballers that are technically good. Thus. enabling clubs to find a player for any style or set-up required.

 

 

Smart investments in the transfer market have furthered their cause and have helped them achieve stability. Investing in talents before they ripen, or choosing to buy players that failed to make a greater impact than their talent permitted has helped the club immensely. Now, Atalanta is one of the most feared attacking units, relying on their potency going forward to win matches. They took on the big boys in the form of Romelu Lukaku and Inter Milan and pushed them all the way.

 

SHINING IN THE EUROS

Atalanta’s players have taken precedence over many bigger names in Europe in the Euros. Their style of play that is suited to cup competitions such as these is helping their respective nations. Joakim Mæhle is Denmark’s star performer in the competition. His stellar performances in the wing-back role have helped the Danes secure a quarter-final spot.

 

 

The 24-year-old is bossing the flank, working tirelessly as he made his way up and down the wings in the four matches he played. He has scored two goals in the tournament so far, more than any other Danish player in the competition. Mind you, he plays a defensive wing-back position.

 

 

Italy’s Matteo Pessina came on from the bench to kill the game in extra time in the Round of 16 against a staunch Austria. A goal that secured a quarter-final for his nation. His first goal in the tournament came in the match-up against Wales. It was the only goal in the match and it helped the Italians finish top of the group. Originally left out from the national side, Pessina is proving why deserves a place among the top talents on the national side.

Pessina made 28 appearances for Atalanta and scored and assisted twice for the club. He has been instrumental for the club and has time to improve further at just 24 years of age. Pessina will likely get a chance or two as the tournament progresses.

 

MORE THAN JUST GOALS

Robin Gosens, one of the most trusted players in Atalanta is also shining light in Euros. The wing-back loves treading forward and scored eleven goals for the club in his 32 appearances. He also provided six assists during the course of the season. A solid ballplayer who can attack and defend with equal tenacity.

 

 

Not much has been going the way for Germany right now, but Gosens isn’t among the problems. The wing-back is making his name among the veterans, putting up performances that are almost at par with veteran names like Kroos and Hummels. His excellent balls into the box should have been put into the net if not for poor finishing. Gosens summed his performance with a goal against Portugal in the group games. His involvement against England on the wings will be key if they are to progress to the next round.

 

 

Ruslan Malinovskiy is among the oldest players from Atalanta to play in Euros and he is just 28-years of age. The Ukraine international was in dazzling form for his club, providing an astounding twelve assists for Atlanta, more than anyone in Italy. He also bagged eight goals in the process and was one of the most influential players in the club.

 

 

So it comes as no surprise that the attacker is a figure of importance in his national camp. He helped the team progress to the Round of 16 and will now face Sweden. He will have to be at his sharpest if he hopes to help Ukraine progress to the quarter-finals.

The Atalanta players are putting up promising performances for their respective countries. A showing that does not come as a surprise given their quality in Serie A. Giasperini might just be the winner of this tournament irrespective of who lifts the trophy.

Asif Nasser

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