Jonathan David outshines Julián Álvarez to lead Atlético's attack

The Canadian forward Jonathan David has left Julián Álvarez behind in the fight for the number nine spot at Atlético, after scoring three goals and providing an assist in just 160 minutes of league action, while the Argentine has accumulated 83 minutes without starting or scoring.

Barcelona offer and conditional return

Julián Álvarez became a market protagonist, with a Barcelona offer on the table, but the outcome kept him in Madrid. His return was conditioned by the World Cup final and a late preparation that prevented him from arriving with rhythm at the start of the league.

Facing the Argentine's lack of continuity, Atlético signed Jonathan David as an emergency solution. The response was immediate: he was unused at San Mamés, debuted in the final stretch at Anfield and needed barely half an hour at Anoeta to score his first goal.

Simeone gave him the starting role against Osasuna and he responded with another goal, consolidating the depth of the attack. Against Real Madrid he was again a reference, sealing the 2‑0 by attacking Giuliano's centre at the end of a long play.

Performance comparison and future

The comparison between the two forwards explains much of the shift: Julián left his mark in Europe with an assist in the full 90 minutes against Liverpool, but in the league he has yet to start or find the net. Jonathan David, for his part, convinces with mobility, constant pressure and the ability to lock down centre‑backs.

Atlético retains a purchase option with Juventus for €25 million for the forward, which translates his recent performance into a concrete valuation.

The club continues to await the best version of Julián, but the present has placed the Canadian ahead in the race for the number nine spot, leaving the decision on the immediate future of the attack open.