Argentina’s Simeone Gains Europe’s Best Super-Sub Sorloth Edge
Diego Simeone’s attacking options at Atlético de Madrid got even more impressive, courtesy of the prolific Alexander Sorloth. Despite starting most matches on the bench, Sorloth’s seven goals as a substitute make him Europe’s top-scoring “super-sub” in the elite leagues.
A Rising Force from the Bench
Alexander Sorloth may not be a household name on par with world-renowned forwards, but he has become Diego Simeone’s most effective secret weapon this season. While much of the spotlight at Atlético de Madrid shines on Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann, Sorloth has quietly emerged as the quintessential game-changer whenever Simeone calls upon him from the bench.
No substitute in Europe’s top five leagues has matched Sorloth’s seven goals as a reserve this season, making him the ultimate super-sub. His consistent late-game heroics have delivered crucial points—ten in total—for Atlético, nudging them higher in LaLiga and keeping them within striking distance of the title race. In a team with many famous players, the Norwegian striker earned a role: a player who comes in when time is short or a goal is needed.
Sorloth’s path to that role shows his toughness and his skill to change. He was far down the list early in the season, behind players like Griezmann and Álvarez. Yet he did not stray. Come in the 70th or 80th minute? Okay. Being one goal behind against strong teams? Better. For Sorloth, those hard times make him perform his best because he scores late.
His influence is so significant that, in some matches, Simeone has openly lamented not having Sorloth on the bench (as happened during the 1-0 loss to Leganés). It highlights how valuable the Norwegian has become to Atlético’s tactical arsenal. “We needed someone who could change the outcome in the last minutes,” Simeone admitted in post-match commentary, referencing the game in which Sorloth was unavailable. Despite seeing minimal starts—only 13 in 32 appearances—Sorloth’s conversion rate as a sub has overshadowed many of Europe’s best bench scorers, surpassing the likes of Ángel Correa, Julián Álvarez, Gonçalo Ramos, and John Durán.
The Statistics Speak Volumes
Examining Sorloth’s season numbers shows how significant his effect is. Some players, like Ángel Correa of Argentina or Julián Álvarez, score six substitute goals each, but no one has scored seven. Even among Europe’s other top strikers coming off the bench, such as Gonçalo Ramos at Paris Saint-Germain or the young Colombian John Durán (before his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia), they still trail behind the Norwegian. Ferran Torres at Barcelona has five goals from the bench, which is impressive, yet not quite at Sorloth’s level. Others, like the Monegasque forward George Ilenikhena or Wolfsburg’s Jonas Wind, share that five-goal tally, which is also still behind the unstoppable Atleti super-sub.
This distinction sets Sorloth apart in a league environment that increasingly emphasizes strong squads and potent rotating players. Simeone is keenly aware that titles can hinge on these “second wave” scorers who come on to tip the balance. The concept of a super-sub, popularized in past decades, has only grown more relevant in modern football, where fixture congestion demands rosters be more profound than ever before. Teams with formidable bench options often outlast rivals who rely on a narrower core of players.
Sorloth’s ability to score late is not only about raw talent—though he certainly has the physique, finishing ability, and aerial prowess to trouble any defense. It also reflects a personality that thrives under pressure. Opposing defenders often show fatigue in the final 20 minutes; Sorloth uses that to his advantage. He pushes hard, forces his way into space, reaches crosses, or grabs loose balls in the penalty area. His strong build in the box proved deadly, especially as he scored significant winners or equalizers in close contests.
An example is the 1-2 triumph over Barcelona, a fixture where Sorloth’s cameo spelled the difference between a hard-fought draw and a dramatic victory. Or the 2-1 result against Alavés and the 1-0 victory over Getafe—both courtesy of timely Sorloth interventions. Most recently, in a match with Celta de Vigo, Sorloth conjured a moment of brilliance from practically nothing: a long clearance from Giménez, a chest control, and a volley that left the opposing goalkeeper helpless. These are not mere consolation goals; they are match-defining strikes.
Simeone’s Trust in Sorloth’s Impact
Though the numbers show that no one else in Europe’s top leagues is as productive off the bench, Sorloth’s super-sub label is a double-edged sword. While he’s proven invaluable in cameo roles, he craves a consistent spot in the starting lineup—an ambition Simeone acknowledges but is not always satisfied. Even after these show-stopping performances, the Norwegian often finds himself benched yet again, reaffirming that Simeone sees him as the ultimate “Plan B.”
Tactical factors play a role in these decisions. With the unstoppable duo of Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann already forming a lethal partnership up front, Simeone is reluctant to disrupt the synergy. There’s a reason they are so often chosen to start: they add a blend of creativity, movement, and finishing that sets the tone from kick-off. By introducing Sorloth late in the game, Simeone changes the dynamic drastically—shifting from a swift, creative forward line to a more direct, power-centric approach.
In the 1-0 loss to Leganés, however, we saw how crucial Sorloth’s presence can be. Simeone publicly stated that he missed having the big Norwegian to turn to. That regret underscores the acceptable margins in top-tier competitions. One missed chance, or a single absent super-sub, can mean the difference between staying in the title race or losing ground. For a manager like Simeone, who takes pride in not quitting until the end, a dependable scorer in the final stages is nearly vital.
Sorloth shows a mindset that matches Simeone’s views – resilience, hunger, a refusal to lose. Even in the 77th or 85th minute, he comes on the field with resolve, set to seize any slight chance. That focus wins fans’ approval and strengthens Simeone’s trust in him. Although the manager values order and defense, he also appreciates sudden moments when one goal can change everything. Sorloth’s skill for scoring in crucial moments forms the base of Atleti’s season.
The Super-Sub Ahead of the Title Race
Although Sorloth has started only a fraction of Atlético’s matches, his seven goals off the bench have contributed ten points to the team’s tally—an invaluable boost as they remain just a point behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. La pregunta sigue siendo: ¿usaré solamente como suplente ofensivo o lo incluiré regularmente en el once titular? El próximo partido contra el Valencia da una pista: se cree que Álvarez y Griezmann encabezan el ataque desde el inicio, dejando a Sorloth en el banquillo.
Para el noruego aparecer solo como suplente puede ser a la vez irritante y un motivo para mejorar. On one hand, he may feel he has earned more starts. On the other hand he is named Europe’s top bench scorer. This is a big honor that shows his unique skills. Simeone thinks that if something works, it should stay the same. Sorloth stays on the bench so the Argentine coach always has a key substitute to use.
At this critical point in the season, a proven plan for the last 20 minutes may change who wins the league. Real Madrid and Barcelona use many substitutes but none matches Sorloth’s steady output. If he keeps scoring essential goals, Atlético may earn the points required to beat their rivals. In the close games of a hard fought LaLiga, a strong substitute is not optional but can make a difference.
Known for building teams that value unity, tactics, it is clear he picks Sorloth as the proper bench choice. The link between them is plain: Simeone offers competitive spirit while Sorloth puts it to use. As the tension builds toward the final weeks, the Norwegian’s cameo appearances could well become the stuff of legend—much like the iconic super-subs of past decades.
Also Read: Argentina’s Mascherano Receives Very Cold US Soccer Reception and “Impossible” Opponent
At Atlético, it’s not only about starting well but also finishing with strength. In Sorloth, Simeone has found the man to push the team over the line, match after match, proving that even in an era of star-studded lineups, the difference can come from the unlikeliest of places: a super-sub waiting patiently for his moment of glory.
