Álex Baena is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic and creative attacking talents in La Liga. Born in Almería and developed at Villarreal, the left-footed playmaker has already made a mark with his ability to link play, create chances, and deliver in decisive moments, both for club and country. With reports linking him to a potential €50 million move to Atlético de Madrid, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at what makes Baena so influential, what areas he can still improve, and how he might fit into Diego Simeone’s squad.
Relevant Player Information
Born in Almería, Alejandro Rodríguez Baena is a Spanish footballer born on July 20, 2001. He is right-footed and typically plays as a left winger or attacking midfielder. According to Transfermarkt, his market value currently stands at €55 million.
Baena began his football journey at CD Roquetas before joining Villarreal CF’s youth academy in 2011. He quickly rose through the ranks, progressing from the “C” team to the senior side in less than two years. He made his first-team debut on October 22, 2020, in a match against Real Sociedad. However, with limited playing time in La Liga, he was loaned to Girona for the 2021/22 season. There, he played a key role in the team’s promotion to the top flight, contributing 5 goals and 6 assists in 45 appearances.
After returning to Villarreal, Baena established himself as a key figure in the Yellow Submarine’s attack. This season, he has scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists in 33 matches. His performances earned him a debut for the Spanish national team on September 12, 2023, in a 5-0 win against Cyprus — a match in which he also scored. He is also one of the few Spanish players, alongside Fermín López, to have won both the Olympic Games and the European Championship with the senior national team.
There’s no doubt that expectations are high — but how does Baena actually play?
A Very Complete Winger
Álex Baena is a highly complete attacking player, particularly when it comes to his offensive contributions. However, his defensive skills still require development. Statistically, he stands out in key passes and assists, acting as the link between midfield creativity and the final third. Whether making vertical runs or delivering incisive final balls, he often provides the service that allows forwards to finish.
His heatmap highlights his involvement across the left flank and central attacking zones. Functioning as a false winger, he frequently drifts inside to find better passing angles or link play in tight areas. His tactical versatility and positional awareness allow him to be omnipresent in the build-up and attacking phases.
A Great Chance Creator
One of Baena’s standout traits is his consistent chance creation. With 0.52 combined goals and assists per game, and an impressive 3.1 chances created per match, he ranks among the most productive wide players in La Liga. This ratio means he creates one goal for every six chances — an excellent return for an attacking midfielder or winger.
He’s a constant threat near the opponent’s penalty area, frequently making key passes that unlock defenses. Though he averages just under three touches in the opponent’s box per game — a bit low for someone who often attacks central spaces — this figure still exceeds the league average (2.5).
Baena is also among the league leaders in shot assists (2.7 per game) and expected assists (0.38), underlining his ability to consistently create high-quality opportunities.
A Link Between Midfield and Attack
While he plays out wide, Baena often operates like a central playmaker. He’s not known for explosive dribbling — averaging 3 dribbles per 90 minutes with a 60% success rate — but he is smart and calculated in how he uses the ball.
Baena excels at progressive carries, averaging 2.8 forward dribbles (covering around 5 meters) and 8.5 total carries per game. These numbers reflect his tendency to drop deeper, receive the ball, and drive the team forward.
An Exceptional Passer in the Final Third
Baena’s influence in midfield extends beyond his dribbling. He averages 21 short passes and 2.75 long passes per match, showing a preference for vertical balls and switches of play over short combinations — although he’s competent in both areas.
With 6.4 progressive passes and 27 total passes per game, Baena plays a central role in Villarreal’s ball circulation and forward momentum.
He also stands out for his passes into dangerous areas — averaging 3.5 passes into the final third and 2.9 into the penalty area — further highlighting his attacking vision.
A Set-Piece Specialist
At Villarreal, Baena is responsible for most corners (3.4 per 90) and many free kicks close to the box (1.5 per game). His ball-striking technique makes him a real threat on set pieces and one of the best dead-ball specialists among La Liga wingers.
Aspects to Improve
While he has great technical quality, Baena struggles in physical duels. He engages in 15 duels per match but wins only 43% — about 6 out of 15 — which is below average for a player in his role. His lack of physical strength and aerial presence limits him in more combative scenarios.
Another concern is his temperament and discipline. He tends to get involved in unnecessary confrontations and loses focus. With 1.3 fouls committed and a yellow card rate of 0.29 per match, his disciplinary record is among the worst for wingers in the division.
The Fourth-Best Winger in La Liga
All things considered, Baena ranks among the top wingers in Spain. His combination of vision, playmaking, and set-piece quality makes him one of the league’s most complete attacking midfielders. Statistically, he is rated as the fourth-best winger in La Liga this season.
Comparison and Fit at Atlético de Madrid
Atlético de Madrid appears close to finalizing a €50 million move for Baena, with a long-term contract reportedly agreed upon until 2030. The deal remains pending due to final payment structure negotiations.
In terms of fit, Baena’s best position is on the left wing, but he could also operate centrally behind a striker like Julián Álvarez or Sorloth, or even switch flanks depending on tactical needs. Compared to Atleti’s current wide options — Giuliano Simeone and Samuel Lino — Baena appears to offer more in terms of passing, decision-making, and overall playmaking.
He surpasses Giuliano in nearly all offensive metrics. Lino does outperform him in dribbling and explosiveness, but Baena compensates with better passing range, tactical intelligence, and link-up play — drawing comparisons to Antoine Griezmann in terms of his ability to knit together attacks.
Conclusion
Álex Baena is much more than a promising young winger — he’s a creative hub, a set-piece weapon, and a high-IQ playmaker who can elevate the rhythm and fluidity of any attack. His arrival at Atlético de Madrid could signal a shift toward a more dynamic and technically refined offensive style, helping the team transition into a new era.
But with temperament issues and physical limitations still to address, the challenge will be whether Baena can adapt to the intensity and demands of Diego Simeone’s system — and whether his creativity can shine in a team that often prioritizes structure over flair.
The potential is undeniable. If he fits, he may just be the missing piece that reignites Atlético’s ambitions at the top of Spanish and European football.