Conor Gallagher is at the centre of Atlético Madrid's charge up La Liga

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The English midfielder has given Diego Simeone's team balance – and helped them win 14 games in a row

By Robbie Dunne for Opta Analyst

Andrea Berta left Atlético Madrid earlier this month after a decade as the club's sporting director. As a parting gift, he ​gave Diego Simeone a treasure chest of new signings. Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sørloth, Julián Alvarez and Conor Gallagher arrived during an unprecedented summer of spending by the club. Clément Lenglet was added as a free agent and Giuliano Simeone was promoted to the first team to complete a squad the likes of which Atlético fans have not seen for a very long time.

The new players are having an impact. Atléti have won their last 14 games, the longest winning run in the club's history. They are top of La Liga and guaranteed at least a place in the playoffs of the Champions League. What's more exciting is that the team looks refreshed. The new signings are close to their prime years, with Gallagher and Alvarez, both 24, still only really getting started. The injection of energy means Simeone can push the limits of his squad.