Hincapie backs Arsenal focus before Atlético semifinal with Álvarez
Piero Hincapié said Arsenal must stay focused on Atlético Madrid ahead of the Champions League semifinal first leg, while calling Julián Álvarez “an incredible, very complete and very intelligent player.” The 24-year-old defender has become a key figure for Mikel Arteta this season, and his comments land with Arsenal trying to steady a run that has brought eight goals conceded and four scored in the last month.
Hincapié and Arsenal’s shape
Hincapié made 34 appearances this season and started 27 of them, a workload that has pushed him into the middle of Arsenal’s biggest matches. He arrived on loan with a $56 million purchase option, after Atlético Madrid had explored a move for him last summer.
The defender’s first Premier League season also included several matches at left back, showing how quickly Arteta has relied on him across the back line. Hincapié said he chose Arsenal and that “everything went very well from the start,” adding that Spanish-speaking teammates and staff were important early on because they helped him understand what the coach needed from him.
Ødegaard, depth and attack
Asked about Martín Ødegaard, Hincapié did not frame Arsenal as a one-man team. “He’s a player with extraordinary qualities. Obviously, he gives us a lot in attack. But we have a very deep squad, so whoever plays in his position can do the job in their own way. We don’t think it affects us, but you do miss a player like that on the field.”
He gave a similar answer when the conversation turned to Arsenal’s recent scoring line. “The season becomes more difficult with so many games. We love keeping clean sheets, but we also need to improve in attack to give fans the joy of seeing goals.” Arsenal have reached the semifinals, and Hincapié said that getting back to a final will require the right approach over two legs.
Atlético and Álvarez
The immediate test is Atlético, and Hincapié made it clear Arsenal are studying the team in front of them rather than one possible selection. “He’s an incredible player, very complete, very intelligent. But whether he plays or not, we just have to focus on the team Atlético puts out and counter them.”
He also said he does not spend much time on social media and is focused on the next game. That leaves Arsenal with a defender who has settled into Arteta’s plans, a semifinal tie that demands precision, and an opponent whose attack includes a player Hincapié clearly respects. He said the task is to do things the right way if Arsenal want to be in a final again.
