Mario Hermoso: Defensive Data and Impact at Atlético Madrid
Mario Hermoso is a Spanish professional footballer who currently plays as a left-back for Atlético Madrid. Born on February 17, 1995, in Málaga, Spain, Hermoso began his career with hometown club Real Betis before joining FC Barcelona's youth academy in 2014.
Hermoso made his senior debut for Barcelona B in the Segunda División B in 2016-17 season and soon after joined the first team in 2018. He was promoted to the main squad during the 2019-20 season but struggled to establish himself in the starting lineup due to competition from experienced players such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
In January 2021, Hermoso moved to Atletico Madrid on loan until the end of the season, with the option to buy. The move came as a surprise given Atletico's strong defensive record under head coach Diego Simeone, but Hermoso's performances impressed the club's hierarchy enough to secure a permanent transfer.
At Atlético Madrid, Hermoso has shown significant improvement since moving to the club. His positioning, tackling, and reading of the game have been praised by fans and critics alike. His defensive work rate, especially in the air, has also earned him praise.
One of Hermoso's most notable moments came against Sevilla in the 2020-21 La Liga season when he scored the winning goal in extra time to earn Atlético a historic victory. This goal marked Hermoso's debut in the top-flight and showed that he can contribute to the team's success both offensively and defensively.
Overall, Mario Hermoso's journey from a promising young talent at Real Betis to a key player at Atlético Madrid highlights his talent and potential. While he may not be a household name yet, Hermoso's future looks bright at Atlético Madrid, where he will continue to develop and grow into one of the best defenders in La Liga.