Jonathan David says his move to Atletico Madrid has provided a “breath of fresh air” after a difficult season with Juventus.
The Canada international joined Diego Simeone’s side on a season-long loan from Juventus on deadline day. Atletico reportedly have the option to make the transfer permanent for €25m.
David, 26, scored eight goals and supplied five assists in 46 appearances for Juventus last season. His start in LaLiga, however, has been considerably more productive.
He has contributed directly to four goals in his four matches for Atleti, scoring three times and creating one goal. Each of his three LaLiga appearances has included a goal from the forward.
David’s latest club goal came before the international break, when he scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Madrid derby. He has also continued his form for Canada, scoring the winner in their 1-0 victory over Peru.
His early record has placed him in Atletico history. David is the only player to have scored in each of his first three LaLiga matches for the club during the 21st century.
He is also the only Atletico player since 2000 to score both on his LaLiga debut and on his first appearance against Real Madrid in the competition.
Asked whether the change of club had helped his form, David said: “Maybe it’s a breath of fresh air. Maybe it helps that it’s a bit of a change of environment.”
He added: “I play with a lot of players that have that quality to find the last pass. They make it pretty simple for me, to be honest. All I have to do is finish.”
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said he had played a small part in David’s move to Atletico.
Marsch said he knew Simeone “from playing against him, from watching him over the years” and had explained the qualities David could bring to the team.
“[I said to him] if you want an attacking player that can score goals, has a lot of quality, and also [to] work for the team and give everything he has to the team, I can’t think of a better striker than Jonathan David.”
