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Keeps a high fire: Shima Versalico will destroy Maccabi Haifa's dream? | Israel today

2022-07-26T07:13:34.785Z


In his six years at Atlético Madrid, Shima Versalico did not impress professionally, but he won the hearts of the fans thanks to his hot temper, loyalty and uncompromising war.


If, in the summer of 2016, Atlético Madrid fans were told that they would shed a tear the day Shima Versalico left the club, they would probably have chuckled, certainly after criticizing his arrival from the Italian side of Sassuolo.

They expected from their coach Diego Simeone a renowned player, who could fight with Juanfran for the right back position, and did not see the Croatian as an upgrade.

This summer he left the capital of Spain and left behind sad fans, who see his departure as one of the greatest losses of the Colchoneros under Simeone.

The brutal truth is that Versallico was never good enough to be an Atlético player.

He was limited offensively, far from excelling technically, and also in the defensive aspect, alongside great games, he had poor performances to say the least.

That Kieran Trippier arrived from Tottenham, he further emphasized the differences in qualities compared to his friend, who was fighting with him for a place in the team.

This is why even a magical World Cup in 2018, in which he reached the final with his team, did not prevent his loan to Inter.

Add to that nagging injuries - and you get a picture that raises quite a few questions, the main ones being how did he survive so long in athletics?

And why is he so suitable for Olympiakos?

The answer is rather simple: his character, the hard work and the fight, which characterizes almost every Croatian player.

On the pitch, Versalico is a pest, passionate demon - characteristics that made Simeone and Atleti's fans excited about them, no less than a goal for connections from 30 meters.

The good of the team was always in front of his eyes, he was an inspiration to his friends and gave them reasons to fight to achieve victory.

He was Simeone's representative on the field and grew to be a natural leader, something the team needed on and off the field.

Versalico played a total of 98 games at Atlético, scored 3 goals and set up another 10. Therefore, it is no wonder that what he is remembered for at Wanda Metropolitano, even if it has nothing to do with the professional aspect, are the reasons that led the Greek champions to sign him.

Versalico chasing Pierrot last week, photo: Alan Shiver

the height of emotion

One of Versalico's most memorable moments in his years at Atlético took place at the Estadio Reazor in La Coruna.

When Fernando Torres swallowed his tongue and lost consciousness - the Croatian was the first to jump towards him and save his life.

Another case occurred in London, where Atleti played against Arsenal in the semifinals of the Europa League in 2018.

Versalico received two yellows within seconds, was sent off early on and furiously threw away Simeone's game board.

In the past season, the spirited Blancos secured their promotion to the knockout stage of the Champions League with an away victory over Porto (1:3).

In that game, Versalico will be assigned as a stopper without any choice, when he plays for more than half an hour with a fractured cheekbone.

In an Atlético uniform.

Haifa for the ability with a big heart, photo: IPA

In the relegation game from the Champions, against Manchester City, he ran amok in the dressing room, confronted the players of the English champions - Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker - and threw objects at them, even though he did not play a minute.

Of course, he can't be proud in all cases, but these are exactly the things that made him so appreciated in our metropolitan area.

This summer, when he was 30 years old and after not reaching agreements on a contract extension in Madrid, Versalico landed in Greece as mentioned.

If there is anything that can be said about the mentality on the neighboring island, it is that it suits him perfectly and can keep the fire burning in him.

It is the combination of the warmth of the fans and the desire to return to the top factory in the continent after two years.

The problem is that as long as he produces the best version of himself, it means that Maccabi Haifa's dream of returning to the Champions League is getting further and further away.

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Source: israelhayom

All sports articles on 2022-07-26

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