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Pascual Ruiz: Atlético's top scorer being a midfielder is an anomaly
The three centre-forwards have five goals between them in 16 games, while defender Grimaldo is the second-highest scorer
Pascual Ruiz breaks down Atlético de Madrid's goalscoring problem
Pascual Ruiz Arnal puts numbers to the drought: Baena top scorer, Grimaldo second and just five goals between Julián, Sørloth and Jonathan David. In his view, it is unsustainable for a side that wants to fight for everything.
'El Club de Uría' turned to Atlético de Madrid's biggest problem: goals. Pascual Ruiz Arnal described it as an anomaly among Europe's elite.
After 16 games, the top scorer is Álex Baena; second is Grimaldo, the left-back; and Julián is now one goal away from drawing level with them. Jonathan David has gone more than a month without scoring since the derby, Sørloth has yet to score and Julián has two: five goals between the three number nines.
To illustrate the point, he drew a comparison: it would be as if Barça's top scorer were Pedri, the second Cancelo and the third Gordon, rather than Raphinha or another attacker. Atlético, he said, are relying on their second tier of scorers, and he considers it a miracle and a heroic achievement to be five points off the top and still in contention for a Champions League top-eight finish.
His conclusion was emphatic: it may be enough for minimum targets such as qualifying for the Champions League, but it is not sustainable for competing on every front. Something has to change, whether that means getting Julián back to his best or giving Jonathan David more minutes again.