Carrasco coming into his own at Atlético
Monday, October 31, 2016
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With seven goals in all competitions this term, Atlético's Yannick Carrasco looks a different player to the frustrating talent who arrived in Spain last year. UEFA.com's Joe Walker pays tribute.
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Whether he is celebrating a goal in the UEFA Champions League final by planting a kiss on his girlfriend or producing a silky stepover followed by a frightening burst of pace, there is never a dull moment when Yannick Carrasco is around.
Having turned 23 in September, the Belgian international with the Spanish surname is seemingly in the form of his nascent career.
Given a regular berth on the left side of Atlético Madrid's midfield at the start of the season, the former Monaco flyer is fast developing into one of the most exciting players to watch in Europe.
It has been a remarkable transformation, with this version of Carrasco a far cry from the one that endured a mixed debut campaign with the Rojiblancos last term.
Often a bit-part player, the youngster's potential was always clear, but the Vicente Calderón faithful were keen to see more output from such a talent. At times he would pass where he should have shot, or vice versa, much to the frustration of coach Diego Simeone. So while he had the tools, his decision-making needed improving.
Almost exactly a year ago, after registering the winner for Atlético against Valencia, Carrasco admitted that his coach had "told me I have to shoot and score more". Simeone made his feelings known in press conferences too. The message was simple.
Yet the fact the ex-Monaco trainee entered the 2016/17 campaign with the No10 shirt was perhaps recognition that he was on the verge of taking the next step – to become a regular contributor to the team. And so it has transpired.
It may have taken a while, but the advice has been heeded in spectacular fashion. He has already scored seven times in all competitions, surpassing his five goals last term after just 13 appearances.
Remarkably, six of those have come in his last four outings, including the maiden hat-trick of his professional career against Granada two weeks ago and a brace against Málaga on Saturday.
That upturn has also brought rewards off the pitch, with a new contract keeping him in the Spanish capital until 2022 being signed last week.
More pertinently, Carrasco stepping up to the plate has helped alleviate the goalscoring burden that has often fallen on Antoine Griezmann's shoulders. Opposition defences now have even more to worry about and Atlético's free-scoring form proves the point.
Indeed, Carrasco's clinching strikes against Bayern München and Rostov in Group D have moved section leaders Atleti to the brink of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase, and on Tuesday the Belgian will be looking to score for the third consecutive matchday at home to the Russian side. The way he is playing, you would not bet against him.