Alejandro Grimaldo
ATM
Bags assist
Grimaldo assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 win over Deportivo.
Analysis: Grimaldo would come up big with an assist out of halftime, finding Julian Alvarez in the 48th minute. This gives the defender an impressive five-goal contribution in the first nine appearances of the season, recording three goals and two assists. He would also add an interception, a clearance and four tackles to go along with a clean sheet in the defense.
Nets one in win
Grimaldo scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Deportivo Alaves.
Analysis: Grimaldo starred in Saturday's win over Alaves, scoring a goal while producing five key passes and putting two shots on target. He remains in outstanding form, tallying five tackles and three interceptions over the last four league games. Over that stretch, he has also contributed three goals and one assist while registering five shots on target and eight key passes, continuing to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
Ready to face Alaves
Grimaldo (quadriceps) has been cleared to play in Saturday's La Liga matchup against Alaves after recovering from a muscular injury sustained during the international break, according to Pedro Fullana of Cadena SER.
Analysis: Grimaldo has made encouraging progress in his recovery after initially being restricted to individual work following the quadriceps issue he suffered while representing Spain. The left-back resumed full team training earlier in the week, completing consecutive sessions without any reported setbacks before receiving clearance for Saturday's clash. He should now be in contention to reclaim his starting role on the left side of Atletico Madrid's defense, although David Hancko remains an alternative if the coaching staff opts to manage Grimaldo's workload.
In contention against Alaves
Grimaldo (quadriceps) trained normally with the group for the second consecutive day Wednesday as he continues his recovery from a muscular issue, according to Carrusel Deportivo.
Analysis: Grimaldo has made significant progress after initially being limited to individual work following the quadriceps issue suffered on international duty with Spain. Completing consecutive full sessions puts the left-back on track to be available for Saturday's clash against Alaves, provided he avoids a setback over the remainder of the week. He should now be in contention for a return to the starting XI, while David Hancko remains an alternative at left-back if Grimaldo isn't ready to start.
Working on grass, option for Alaves
Grimaldo (quadriceps) was spotted working with the recovery coach on grass Tuesday and will be in the squad for Saturday's match at Alaves if there are no setbacks, according to Atletico MD.
Analysis: Grimaldo suffered a muscular overload on international duty with Spain, and moving from the gym to the pitch is a clear step toward full availability. He has yet to return to full team training, so his status will depend on how he responds in the coming days. David Hancko could cover at left back if he is not ready, even though it is not his natural position.
Yet to return to training
Grimaldo (quadriceps) has yet to return to training and should be considered a doubt for Saturday's match at Alaves, according to Francisco Javier Diaz of Diario AS.
Analysis: Grimaldo suffered a muscular overload while on international duty with Spain in September, and he worked out in the gym for a third consecutive session. As things stand now, he might not be ready to play Saturday, and if that's the case, then David Hancko could replace him at left-back for the time being, even if that's not his natural position.
Dealing with muscle overload
Grimaldo (quadriceps) is suffering from a muscle overload after undergoing medical tests, and is working out in the gym on Thursday, according to Pascual Ruiz Arnal of Marca.
Analysis: Grimaldo had withdrawn from the Spain squad after experiencing discomfort in his left thigh during warmups before the win over Croatia, with Fran Garcia called up in his place. This diagnosis now clarifies the nature of the issue, and his recovery will continue to be managed as he works through the gym program with Atletico Madrid. David Hancko playing at left-back or a change of system would be the two likely options for coach Diego Simeone if Grimaldo can't recover in time for the clash against Alaves on Oct. 10.
Withdraws with thigh injury
Grimaldo has withdrawn from the Spain squad after experiencing discomfort in his left thigh during the warmup before the 4-1 win over Croatia, according to the Spanish Football Federation.
Analysis: Grimaldo was initially named among the substitutes against Croatia but was unable to feature after feeling discomfort in his left quadriceps during the warmup. Subsequent tests prompted Spain to release the left-back from the squad as a precaution, though the federation did not provide a timetable for his recovery. Fran Garcia has been called up in his place, while Grimaldo will return to Atletico Madrid for further management of the issue.
Concern for quadriceps
Grimaldo (quadriceps) is worried to have suffered a quad injury, per manager Luis de la Fuente.
Analysis: Grimaldo was withdrawn from the bench before Tuesday's clash with Croatia and has now been confirmed to have suffered a quad injury. The defender will undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury, but it's more likely than not he's done for the remainder of the international break. His availability upon his return to Atleti is uncertain.
Withdrawn from bench
Grimaldo was withdrawn from the bench with a potential injury ahead of Tuesday's clash with Croatia, per Marca.
Analysis: Grimaldo had to be withdrawn from the bench during the warmups after evidently feeling some sort of issue. The defender is now going to be observed and examined, with eyes on avoiding worsening any sort of issue. If the injury is at all serious it wouldn't be a surprise to see him return to Atleti.
Scores from defense
Grimaldo scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-1 win against Real Madrid.
Analysis: Grimaldo scored a big goal from defense Sunday while also recording one tackle won, one interception, and two successful dribbles. He has been in excellent form over his last three matches, producing two goals and one assist while adding three shots on target, three key passes, and four tackles won heading into the international break.
Shines with goal, assist
Grimaldo scored one goal and assisted once from two shots and one chance created in Sunday's 3-0 win against Real Sociedad.
Analysis: Grimaldo had a productive conclusion to Sunday's match, scoring and assisting in Atletico Madrid's 3-0 win. The midfielder should keep his production up against Osasuna, a side that has allowed eight goals in five LaLiga games.
Returns to Atletico training
Grimaldo returned to training with new club Atletico Madrid following his World Cup campaign with Spain, the club posted.
Analysis: Grimaldo did not play a single minute at the World Cup, remaining behind Marc Cucurella in Spain's pecking order, but now heads into his first season with Atletico Madrid carrying a reputation as one of the most productive attacking full backs in Europe and a reliable set piece taker, having racked up 27 goals and 66 assists across 303 appearances at Benfica before adding 30 goals and 45 assists in 145 games at Bayer Leverkusen. It remains to be seen how head coach Diego Simeone will look to unlock his attacking potential within a historically defensive setup, but Grimaldo looks set to be a genuine attacking weapon and possible set piece taker, and he is expected to walk into the side as first choice left back, especially with Matteo Ruggeri closing in on a move.
Signs for Atletico until 2030
Grimaldo has joined Atletico Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen on a contract until June 2030, the club announced.
Analysis: Grimaldo made 145 appearances for Leverkusen since joining in 2023, scoring 30 goals and providing 45 assists, playing a key role in the club's historic Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double in 2023/24 as well as their UEFA Europa League runner-up finish and German Super Cup triumph the following season. Grimaldo previously spent seven and a half seasons at Benfica after progressing through Barcelona's academy, making 303 appearances and winning four league titles along with three Portuguese Super Cups, a domestic cup and a league cup. The versatile defender, who can also operate as a wingback, interior midfielder or attacking midfielder, won Euro 2024 with Spain and is currently representing his country at the World Cup, where he hopes to add another major international title to his collection.
Inefficient in service
Grimaldo recorded three shots (one on goal), 14 crosses (two accurate) and six corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Hamburger SV.
Analysis: Grimaldo had a good stretch late in the season but only logged one assist in his last six matches of what was an otherwise successful campaign. He'll be an important part of Leverkusen's plans next season in both the Bundesliga and Europa League, but he'll need to be more efficient with his service in order to bump up his assist total from eight in the 2025-26 season.
Sets up late insurance goal
Grimaldo had an assist while taking two off target shots, crossing five times (one accurate), creating six chances, making three interceptions and five tackles (winning two) during Saturday's 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.
Analysis: Grimaldo set up Patrik Schick in the 89th minute while leading Leverkusen in crosses, chances created, interceptions and tackles during the win. The assist was the first since March 21st for Grimaldo as he's combined for 10 shots, 12 chances created and 22 crosses over his last three starts.
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