Atletico Madrid's season has no bounds

The curtain has fallen on an extremely positive North American pre-season tour for Atletico Madrid as they've now returned to the capital ahead of the new LaLiga Santander season, albeit they have one friendly left against Juventus in Stockholm.

It was a summer that began in uncertainty due to the departures of key players, but it has become clear that Los Rojiblancos will continue to operate at a high level in 2019/20.

It will be the tour of the 7-3

Nothing this summer has been more memorable than the derby demolition of Real Madrid in New Jersey and that result raised the euphoria surrounding this side. More than just the result, Atleti played excellently.

Goodbye to the doubts

The big exits had people worried but those have been put into the past. The players have stepped up and Joao Felix, in particular, is the jewel in the crown.

Intensity recovered

Diego Simeone's side can't be understood without intensity, with the best example being the Champions League elimination against Juventus. Once that falls, they crumble. They showed exactly that against Real Madrid, and Diego Costa proved why he's so important to the team.

Joao Felix's eruption

Many described Atleti splashing 126 million euros on the teenager as crazy, but he's not showing any signs of being weighed down by the price tag. He's been excellent.

A luxury partner for Diego Costa

Joao Felix is the man to take Koke's old job of supplying Costa with ammunition. In just a handful of games they've struck up a relationship that will have LaLiga Santander defenders trembling.

Saul - Koke's relationship

Marcos Llorente appeared to be Rodrigo Hernandez's heir but his sending off against Chivas made him slip down the pecking order. Saul Niguez and Koke together are perfect and Llorente, Thomas Partey and Hector Herrera will find it hard to dislodge them.

The full backs respond

Renan Lodi and Kieran Trippier have clear attacking ability, but they both have to improve defensively. Simeone has work to do, but there is room for progress.

Morata and Costa to start

It was thought that Joao Felix would take a spot up top but he's been used out wide or as a No.10 with Alvaro Morata accompanying Costa in attack. They understand each other well, and that just keeps improving with time.

They can fight for everything

All of these ingredients show that Los Rojiblancos are strong with a lot of internal competition. They have the depth and the quality, so we'll see how far they can go.