Mario Mandzukic is showing just what he can do with each passing day and match for Atlético de Madrid.
The Croat, who was on the receiving end of criticism at the start of the campaign, has silenced his critics in the most effective way possible for a striker: by scoring goals. The 28-year-old's Champions League hat-trick against Olympiacos brought his tally up to 11 which comprises five goals in both La Liga and the Champions League combined with the strike that won 'Los Rojiblancos' the Spanish Super Cup. The club signed him to score goals, and he has done just that so far, becoming the top scorer in the two most important competitions.
There is a curious side to Mandzukic's goals, however. All 11 have been one-touch finishes. A classic number 9, the Croat is ruthless when the ball drops to him in front of goal and he hits it first time. That is how he opened his Atlético account against Real Madrid in the Super Cup. The following three were converted with his head against Eibar, Olympiacos in Athens and Valencia. Malmö and Getafe were his next victims, before he notched another header, this time at home to Córdoba in a 4-2 win. He opened the scoring at the Anoeta against Real Sociedad with his left foot after a peach of a cross by Raúl García. The Croat's most prolific display to date for Simeone's side, however, came on Wednesday when his hat-trick saw off Olympiacos. One right-footed finish coupled with two headers left the team on the brink of sealing top spot in the group.