Diego Simeone lauds Conor Gallagher after scoring first goal for Atletico Madrid

The England international netted the first goal in the first half of a commanding 3-0 victory against Valencia in Madrid, showcasing Atletico Madrid's strong start to the season under Simeone's leadership.

The victory put them second in La Liga, only behind Barcelona although already four points adrift of the leaders.

It was just Gallagher’s second start for Atletico Madrid and Simeone says he is proving to be exactly what the team needed in midfield.

‘He came with a lot of enthusiasm, and we needed that kind of player in the midfield because he makes us better,’ Simeone told a press conference after Sunday’s victory.

‘He does not stop giving his best in every game situation in which he participates.’

Clearly thrilled to open his account for the club, the 24-year-old wrote on Instagram: ‘A special evening winning and scoring my first goal for @atleticodemadrid Aupa Atleti!!!’

Conor Gallagher’s first LALIGA goal 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The Englishman with a good finish to give Atleti the lead against Valencia 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/V0cqQ6P0Uv

Also scoring their first goal for the club on Sunday was another summer signing, Julian Alvarez, who arrived in a big-money move from Manchester City.

The Argentina international scored the third and final goal deep into injury time and Simeone feels it will open the floodgates for the forward.

‘We all needed him to score a goal, for him to be more relaxed, to be connected to what he likes… hopefully the goal will be the first of many,’ he said.

‘I imagine that he lives for the goal and the enthusiasm to generate this type of situation. Today he appeared as he always does at the least expected moment at the end of the game when hope seems to be fading and, luckily, he scored.’

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