Johnny Cardoso has shifted from battling injuries to becoming a hard‑to‑ignore starter at Atlético Madrid. For the USMNT midfielder, the change is striking.
At 25, he endured a brutal injury run, ending with ankle surgery in May that dashed his 2026 World Cup hopes at home. He timed the procedure to be back for Atlético’s preseason.
That gamble is now paying dividends.
What strides has Johnny Cardoso made at Atlético Madrid?
September’s clash with Osasuna marked his breakout. He logged 77 passes at 95.1% accuracy, reclaimed the ball five times and helped craft three of the four goals. A slick back‑heel set up Álex Baena, stealing the show.
Captain Koke even sprinted to hug him after the match.
Simeone praised the effort yet warned of consistency. Cardoso seems to have taken the message to heart.
Will Cardoso become indispensable for Simeone’s plans?
A 2‑0 Champions League win over Manchester United on Tuesday reinforced his rise.
He stayed on for the full 90, hitting 91% of his passes and winning nine duels. He rattled home a strike, but VAR erased it after a Marcos Llorente handball.
Crucially, he blends defensive grit with growing confidence on the ball, offering Atlético a steady midfield alternative beside Koke and Pablo Barrios.
Following endless setbacks, Cardoso finally mirrors the player Atlético believed they’d signed. In my view, he’s now the midfield linchpin they wanted.
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