Atalanta BC continues to demonstrate their sharp recruitment policy ahead of the 2024/25 season, bringing in players who can both contribute immediately and provide long-term value.
The club’s ambitions are clear: to remain a competitive force in Serie A and deepen their influence in European competitions.
Atalanta’s summer acquisitions reflect a balanced strategy aimed at reinforcing key areas of the squad.
The club is fresh off securing Champions League football after a thrilling victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
These signings are not only designed to maintain their high-energy, dynamic style of play but also to ensure they have the depth and quality to make a significant impact in the Champions League.
In this recruitment analysis, we will conduct a data analysis of Atalanta BC’s summer signings, exploring each player’s potential impact, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their fit within the team’s tactical structure.
The analysis will be grounded in key statistics to provide a comprehensive overview with data of how these players will contribute to Atalanta’s ambitions for the season.
Through this detailed analysis, we aim to offer insights into the strategic decisions, under the guidance of Sporting Director Tony D’Amico, behind Atalanta’s latest transfers.
Atalanta Transfer Overview
Atalanta’s summer transfer window saw significant investments, with the club aiming to strengthen its squad in various positions.
Among the most notable arrivals is Ben Godfrey, a versatile defender from Everton, signed for €15 million.
Godfrey brings a strong physical presence and defensive reliability, particularly excelling in aerial duels.
In midfield, Atalanta added Lazar Samardžić from Udinese for €18 million.
Samardžić’s ability to progress the ball and his attacking threat makes him a key addition to Atalanta’s midfield engine.
Marco Brescianini was signed from AC Milan for a transfer fee of €5 million, further bolstering Atalanta’s midfield options.
Additionally, they brought in the promising 20-year-old Ibrahim Sulemana from Cagliari for €8 million, adding youth and potential to the squad.
In attack, Atalanta focused on bolstering their firepower with several key signings.
Duván Zapata returns to the club from Torino for €10 million, providing an experienced goal-scoring option.
They also made a significant investment in Charles De Ketelaere, acquiring the forward from AC Milan for €28 million.
De Ketelaere’s versatility and creativity will provide Atalanta with additional attacking options.
Alongside him, Mateo Retegui, signed from Tigre for €12.5 million, offers a direct goal-scoring threat.
Completing the forward line, Nicolò Zaniolo arrives on loan from Galatasaray with an option to buy for €15 million, further enhancing Atalanta’s attacking depth with his dribbling and finishing abilities.
Together, these signings reflect a well-rounded approach, ensuring Atalanta is prepared for the challenges of the 2024/25 season, both domestically and in Europe.
Atalanta Defenders
Ben Godfrey | CB/RB | 26-years-old |
Ben Godfrey arrives at Atalanta from Everton, where he was a versatile defensive option.
His radar chart shows mixed results, with strong performances in aerial duels but less impact in attacking contributions.
Godfrey’s greatest strength lies in his aerial ability, as reflected in his 91st percentile ranking for aerial duels won.
This indicates that he is highly effective in both defensive and offensive aerial situations, making him a key asset in defending set pieces and winning aerial battles across the pitch.
Additionally, his 79.4% success rate in defensive duels underscores his reliability in one-on-one situations, where he consistently regains possession for his team, providing Atalanta with a solid defensive foundation.
Godfrey plays a crucial role in zonal marking and adds physicality into set-piece defending.
However, Godfrey’s radar chart also reveals areas where he offers less impact, particularly in his attacking contributions.
He ranks significantly lower in metrics like goal contributions per 90 and expected goal contributions per 90, suggesting that his role in advancing the ball into dangerous areas or directly contributing to goals is minimal.
Furthermore, his 39th percentile ranking in progressive passes per 90 indicates that he is less involved in the team’s build-up play, often focusing more on his defensive duties than on moving the ball forward.
This limitation in his passing game might restrict Atalanta’s options when trying to break down well-organized defences.
Atalanta Midfielders
Lazar Samardžić | RCM | 22-years-old |
Lazar Samardžić joins Atalanta with the expectation of bolstering the midfield.
His radar chart reflects a balanced profile, with notable strengths in possession and attacking metrics.
One of Samardžić’s standout attributes is his ability to progress the ball effectively, reflected in his 74th percentile ranking for progressive passes per 90.
This indicates that he plays a vital role in transitioning the ball from deeper areas into more advanced positions, a key component of Atalanta’s high-tempo attacking style.
Moreover, his 87th percentile ranking in shots per 90 highlights his willingness and ability to take on shots, adding a direct goal threat from midfield.
This offensive mindset is further complemented by his 60th percentile ranking in dangerous passes per 90, demonstrating his capability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates through precise and incisive passing.
Despite these strengths, Samardžić’s radar chart reveals some vulnerabilities, particularly in his defensive contributions.
He ranks in the lower 32nd percentile for defensive duels per 90, indicating that he may struggle in physical battles and in regaining possession, which could be a liability in matches where controlling the midfield is crucial.
Additionally, his 40th percentile ranking in aerial duels per 90 suggests that he is less effective in aerial contests, a potential weakness in a league where physicality and aerial ability are often decisive.
Marco Brescianini | CM | 23-years-old |
Marco Brescianini joins Atalanta as a young and promising central midfielder, bringing with him a well-rounded skill set that could prove valuable in Gian Piero Gasperini’s system.
His radar chart reflects a player who excels in maintaining possession and contributing defensively, making him a reliable option in the heart of the midfield.
Brescianini’s radar highlights his strength in ball retention, with a high percentile ranking in accurate passes per 90, indicating his ability to keep play ticking and maintain control in the midfield.
This ability is crucial for a team like Atalanta, which relies on quick transitions and sustained pressure.
His proficiency in distributing the ball is further supported by his solid ranking in progressive passes per 90, showcasing his capability to move the ball forward effectively and support the team’s offensive plays.
Defensively, Brescianini is no slouch either.
He performs well in defensive duels, where his radar shows a strong percentile ranking, making him a robust presence in midfield battles and in breaking up opposition play.
However, Brescianini’s radar also reveals areas where he could further develop, particularly in his attacking contributions.
His lower rankings in goal contributions per 90 and expected goal contributions suggest that while he is reliable in possession and defence, he currently offers less in terms of direct goal threat or creative output in the final third.
Enhancing his ability to contribute more offensively, whether through key passes or taking more shots, could make him a more complete midfielder and increase his overall impact on the team’s attacking dynamics.
Ibrahim Sulemana | RCM | 20-years-old |
Ibrahim Sulemana, one of the younger additions to Atalanta’s squad, shows significant promise, particularly in his defensive metrics.
His radar chart, however, also highlights areas where further development is needed, particularly in his contributions to the team’s possession and build-up play.
Sulemana’s radar emphasizes his defensive acumen, with a strong 62.9% win rate in defensive duels, positioning him as a reliable option for disrupting the opposition’s play and winning back possession.
This capability is crucial for a team like Atalanta, which often needs midfielders who can effectively shield the defence and initiate transitions.
His aerial ability is another notable strength.
With a 62.05% win rate in aerial duels, he is a competent competitor in both offensive and defensive aerial battles.
However, Sulemana’s contributions to possession and advancing the play are more limited.
His radar shows a low 12th percentile ranking in progressive passes per 90, suggesting that he is less involved in moving the ball forward, which can hinder Atalanta’s ability to break through opposition lines.
Additionally, his effectiveness in the final third is also underwhelming, as indicated by his 33rd percentile ranking in dangerous passes per 90.
This suggests that while Sulemana is defensively solid, he currently lacks the vision and passing precision needed to contribute significantly to Atalanta’s attacking phases, which could limit his overall impact in the team’s tactical setup.
Atalanta Attackers
Duván Zapata | CF | 33-years-old |
Duván Zapata is a seasoned forward who continues to be a formidable presence in Atalanta’s attack.
His radar chart underscores his strength in aerial duels and goal-scoring, essential attributes for a central striker in Serie A.
Zapata’s ability to dominate in the air is one of his key strengths.
He ranks in the 79th percentile for aerial duels won, making him a crucial target for crosses and long balls and a significant threat during set pieces.
His consistent goal-scoring ability is also evident from his radar, with a 66th percentile ranking in goal contributions per 90.
Zapata’s knack for finding the back of the net, even in high-pressure situations, makes him a vital component of Atalanta’s attacking arsenal.
However, Zapata’s radar chart also points to areas where he could improve, particularly in his contribution to the team’s build-up play.
He ranks lower in possession-related metrics, such as dangerous passes per 90 and accurate passes, reflecting his more traditional role as a finisher rather than a playmaker.
This suggests that while he is reliable in front of goal, he might not contribute as much to the fluidity and creativity of Atalanta’s overall play.
Additionally, his limited defensive work rate, while not unusual for a central forward, could be an area where he can add value, particularly in pressing situations where winning the ball high up the pitch can lead to immediate scoring opportunities.
Charles De Ketelaere | CF | 23-years-old |
Charles De Ketelaere is a versatile forward who brings creativity and technical ability to Atalanta’s front line.
His radar chart highlights his strength in progressing the ball and creating scoring opportunities, making him a valuable asset in multiple attacking roles.
De Ketelaere’s radar is particularly impressive in terms of his ability to progress the ball, as reflected by his 90th percentile ranking in progressive passes per 90.
This suggests that he plays a crucial role in link-up play with the midfield with the attack, driving the team forward and maintaining the momentum of Atalanta’s offensive plays.
His creativity is further emphasized by his 93rd percentile ranking in dangerous passes per 90, indicating that he is highly effective at delivering key passes that lead to scoring chances, a critical skill in breaking down well-organized defences.
Additionally, his 81st percentile in dribbles per 90 demonstrates his ability to take on defenders and create space, adding a dynamic edge to Atalanta’s attack.
Despite these strengths, De Ketelaere’s radar chart also reveals some areas where he could improve.
He ranks lower in aerial duels, with a 38th percentile, indicating that he might struggle in physical battles against more dominant defenders.
This could limit his effectiveness as a central striker in situations that require a more robust physical presence.
Moreover, while he is creative, his direct goal contribution is not as high as might be expected, with a 57th percentile ranking in goal contributions per 90.
This suggests that while De Ketelaere is a valuable creator, enhancing his finishing ability could make him an even more potent attacking force for Atalanta.
Mateo Retegui | CF | 24-years-old |
Mateo Retegui is a forward who brings a direct goal-scoring threat to Atalanta’s lineup.
His radar chart emphasizes his effectiveness in taking shots and contributing to goals, making him a valuable addition to Atalanta’s forward options.
Retegui’s radar highlights his proficiency in front of goal, with a 71st percentile ranking in goal contributions per 90.
This suggests that he has a strong instinct for goals, consistently finding himself in positions to score or assist.
His 96th percentile in shots per 90 further emphasizes his direct approach, indicating that he is constantly looking to test the goalkeeper and take advantage of scoring opportunities.
Retegui’s willingness to shoot from various positions on the pitch adds a significant threat to Atalanta’s attacking play.
However, Retegui’s radar also reveals areas where his game could be more well-rounded.
His involvement in the build-up play is limited, as reflected by his lower rankings in progressive passes per 90 and dangerous passes per 90.
This suggests that Retegui is more of a finisher than a creator.
While this makes him valuable in the final third, it also means he might not contribute as much to Atalanta’s overall attacking fluidity.
Enhancing his ability to link up with teammates and participate more actively in the team’s possession phases could elevate his role from being a pure goal-scorer to a more complete forward.
Nicolò Zaniolo | CF | 24-years-old |
Nicolò Zaniolo is a versatile forward capable of operating across various positions in the attacking line.
His radar chart highlights his strengths in dribbling and his ability to take on defenders, which are critical aspects of his playing style.
Zaniolo’s ability to contribute both as a scorer and a creator makes him a valuable asset in Atalanta’s dynamic attacking setup.
Zaniolo’s most striking attribute, as indicated by his radar chart, is his dribbling ability.
He ranks in the 92nd percentile for dribbles per 90.
This metric underscores his proficiency in beating defenders and creating space for himself and his teammates, making him a constant threat in one-on-one situations.
His high ranking in this category reflects his confidence and technical skill on the ball, which are essential for breaking down tight defenses, particularly in Serie A where tactical discipline is paramount.
Additionally, Zaniolo’s willingness to take shots is evident, with a 67th percentile in shots per 90, highlighting his aggressive approach in the final third.
His ability to consistently test the goalkeeper from various positions adds a direct goal threat to Atalanta’s attack.
However, Zaniolo’s radar also points to some areas that may limit his effectiveness, particularly his aerial presence.
He ranks in the 39th percentile for aerial duels won, suggesting that he is less effective in aerial battles, which could be a disadvantage in situations requiring a physical presence in the box.
This could affect his versatility, especially when playing as a central forward, where aerial ability is often crucial.
Furthermore, while he is strong in dribbling and shooting, his contributions in other possession-related metrics, such as progressive passes per 90, are not as pronounced.
This indicates that while Zaniolo excels in taking on defenders and finishing, he might be less involved in the build-up play and creating opportunities for others.
Zaniolo’s overall profile suggests a player who thrives in direct attacking situations, using his dribbling and shooting ability to great effect. However, to become a more well-rounded attacker, improving his involvement in aerial duels and in the build-up phase could further enhance his impact on the game.
Conclusion
Atalanta’s summer signings represent a well-calculated blend of experience and potential strategically aimed at reinforcing the squad for the challenges of the 2024/25 season.
These acquisitions are not just about maintaining their competitiveness in Serie A; they are also a clear statement of intent as Atalanta prepares for their return to the Champions League.
After their impressive victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, securing a spot in Europe’s elite competition, the club has set its sights on making a significant impact on the continental stage.
The additions of experienced players like Duván Zapata and versatile talents such as Charles De Ketelaere and Nicolò Zaniolo indicate a clear focus on enhancing the team’s attacking options, crucial for competing against Europe’s top defences.
Meanwhile, the signings of Ben Godfrey and Lazar Samardžić provide the necessary depth and balance in defence and midfield, ensuring that the team can maintain its high-energy, dynamic style across all competitions.
Atalanta’s approach to this transfer window underscores their ambition to not only perform well domestically but also to challenge deep into the latter stages of the Champions League.
While some of the younger signings, like Ibrahim Sulemana, may require time to fully develop, the overall Atalanta recruitment strategy is designed to ensure that Atalanta remains a force to be reckoned with on all fronts.
The club’s ability to blend immediate impact with long-term growth positions them well for success in the 2024/25 season and beyond.
