Marcos Llorente
Simeone's most versatile weapon — a former holding midfielder turned right-back whose pace, stamina and line-breaking runs make him a transition threat from anywhere on the right.
Playing Style Summary
Marcos Llorente began as a defensive midfielder at Real Madrid, became a goal-scoring box-to-box player at Atlético, and is now used mainly at right-back or right wing-back. His game is built on explosive pace — he was clocked at over 35 km/h in 2019-20 — enormous stamina, and the power to carry the ball through midfield in transition. Diego Simeone values him precisely because he can play on the wing, in midfield or as a second forward and still defend his flank.
Defining Traits
Transition Speed
Llorente turns defence into attack in seconds — carrying the ball through midfield or sprinting beyond it when Atlético win possession.
Engine & Work Rate
He covers huge distances and still tracks back in transition, which allows him to attack from right-back without leaving the team exposed.
Line-Breaking Runs
His runs from deep into the space behind the defence are his signature — the movement that made him one of La Liga's most productive players in 2020-21.
Positional Versatility
Right-back, wing-back, central midfield, right wing or second striker — he has played all of them for Simeone and understands the defensive demands of each.
Strengths
- Elite pace and acceleration over distance
- Stamina to attack and recover repeatedly across 90 minutes
- Dangerous counter-attacking threat — carries and runs beyond
- Versatility across defence, midfield and attack
- Productive in the final third — 12 goals and 11 assists in the 2020-21 title season
Limitations
- As a converted midfielder, his positional defending at right-back can be less instinctive than a specialist's when facing tricky one-v-one wingers
- Final-ball consistency from wide areas varies — his best output comes from runs and carries rather than crossing volume
More Spain players
See the full squad →Pedro Porro
“An attacking right-back with a playmaker's range — dangerous with set pieces and crosses, comfortable inverting into midfield, and the provider of Spain's World Cup-winning goal.”
Marc Pubill
“A 1.90m hybrid defender who moves between right-back and centre-back without changing his game — physical in duels, aggressive in the air and comfortable defending space behind him.”
Pau Cubarsí
“The teenage centre-back who builds attacks like a midfielder — line-breaking passes from deep and a calm command of Barcelona's high defensive line.”
Aymeric Laporte
“The left-footed centre-back who sets the tempo from the back — calm, precise distribution and the experience to organise a defensive line.”
Eric García
“Barcelona's tactical utility player — a ball-playing centre-back who can also play at right-back and in midfield, with a knack for arriving in the box.”
Marc Cucurella
“A relentless, tactically flexible left-back — aggressive in duels, tireless in support and comfortable moving inside as an inverted full-back.”
The Bench View app
Want to play like Llorente? Train it.
Everything you read here, turned into training you can follow step by step.
Physical training at home
AI daily sessions adapted to your level and position. No equipment needed.
Tactical training courses
Step-by-step courses on positioning, pressing, build-up and decision making.
- 7 days free
- No commitment
- Cancel anytime
Free account: 2 physical sessions + the first tactical course. PRO: 7-day free trial — cancel before day 8 and you pay nothing.
