Alejandro Gomez: is this the end of his Atalanta journey?

Disputes with Gasperini 

On matchday four of the 2020-21 Champions League campaign, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team shocked the reigning Premier League champions at Anfield. After losing the reverse fixture 5-0, Atalanta put on a professional display to avenge their earlier defeat. Thanks to goals from Josip Ilicic and Robin Gosens, La Dea left Merseyside with a two-goal victory over the Reds. On the night, Gomez stole the show.   

The Argentine attacker was at the heart of everything for Atalanta in Merseyside and grabbed an assist for Ilicic’s opening goal with a lofted cross to the back post. Prior to kick-off, Klopp pinpointed Gomez as Atalanta’s main threat, stating that he is “everywhere”.   

Despite the Italian outfit enjoying one of the best European victories of their recent history, Gomez's future at Gewiss Stadium looks more uncertain than ever before. According to a report from Goal, the 32-year-old refused to follow his manager’s orders against Midtjylland, which has sparked a rift between the pair. However, despite their issues, Gasperini has declared that Atalanta will not sanction the sale of Gomez in the January transfer window.   

What Does He Bring to La Dea? 

During his time in Serie A, the Buenos Aires-born playmaker has become increasingly integral to La Dea’s style of play. Between the 2015-16 and 2019-20 seasons, Gomez played at least 34 league games in each campaign. From a goalscoring standpoint, his most productive spell came back in 2016-17, when he found the net on 16 occasions. Moreover, he also provided 11 assists that season. It’s a testament to Gomez’s ability to play as a second striker that, in 251 appearances for La Dea, he has scored a total of 59 goals and set up a further 71. Impressively, that means that Papu is involved in at least one goalscoring action every other game. 

Although the two don’t always see eye to eye, Gasperini’s expansive style of play suits Gomez’s attack-minded preference. Typically, the 62-year-old Italian plays a 3-4-1-2 system. Within this shape, the Argentine sits behind a strike partnership and in front of a reliable midfield duo, which generally features Marten de Roon. Although the 32-year-old doesn’t shy away from his defensive responsibilities, this three-back style enables him to play forward and into space. 

Regarding Atalanta’s hopes of securing their place in the Champions League for a third consecutive season in 2021-22, it’s pivotal that they keep hold of Gomez. As of December 15th, La Dea are 13/8 to gain a top-four spot in Serie A betting this season, but their chances may be diminished should the Argentine depart the Gewiss Stadium in January. 

Whatever Happens, the Club Captain Has Achieved Icon Status 

Fallouts between players and managers in football are nothing new. However, for the club’s passionate fans, losing Gomez would be a significant blow to their chances of short-term success. For the best part of six years, the 32-year-old has spearheaded their pursuit of glory, and it would be a terrible shame if that were to end on a sour note.