Kondogbia: How does Atletico’s new signing stack up against Thomas Partey?

David Lynch

• Updated: 19 May 2021 08:09 CDT
• 2 min read

Geoffrey Kondogbia has completed his move to Atletico Madrid from Valencia.

With Thomas Partey’s deadline-day departure for Arsenal having been the result of a full release clause payment, La Liga rules meant Diego Simeone’s side were given an extra 30 days outside the transfer window to sign a replacement.

And they have settled on Kondogbia, who brings a two-year stay at Mestalla to a close to head to the Spanish capital.

In his final full season at Valencia, the midfielder made 27 league appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

However, it is unlikely that Simeone has targeted him for his offensive qualities, with replacing Partey’s combativeness the number one priority.

Kondogbia’s numbers certainly stack up in that regard. The 27-year-old attempted 3.1 tackles and engaged in 4 aerial duels per match on average in 2019-20, winning each at a rate of 1.9 per 90.

He also averaged 2.7 interceptions and 8 recoveries per 90, numbers that compare favourably with Partey’s 1.8 and 7.9 respectively in his final campaign in La Liga.

Both players posted a pass completion rate of 84%, while Kondogbia’s average of 55.6 passes per 90 is just marginally behind Partey’s 57.4.

On paper, it looks like Simeone has secured a perfect replacement for his influential No.5.