Jonathan David explains his Atlético revival: 'Everything came naturally'

Jonathan David has emerged as the most pleasant surprise of Atlético Madrid's start to the season. The Canadian arrived on loan from Juventus on the final day of the transfer window, and instead of needing time to settle, he has already delivered a string of decisive performances. His immediate impact has been so strong that the club is now seriously weighing the option of keeping him for good.

• Jonathan David has three goals and one assist in his first LaLiga appearances for Atlético Madrid.
• He scored the winner in the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Metropolitano on September 20.
• Atlético are considering triggering the 25-million-euro purchase option in his loan deal from Juventus.
• David puts his strong form down to a change of environment and the quality of service from his new teammates.
• With Canada, he took his international tally to 43 goals after scoring against Chile during the break.

An immediate impact in Simeone's starting eleven

Unlike most signings who arrive at Atlético, David has not needed months to learn the team's mechanics. Under Diego Simeone, new arrivals usually go through a slow adaptation process. The Ottawa-born forward, however, has broken that trend from his very first appearance, looking sharp in the press, quick in his runs and clinical in front of goal.

His emergence has been particularly valuable for a side that in recent seasons has often lacked a reliable finisher in the final third. The numbers speak for themselves: three goals and one assist in three league games with the Atlético shirt, a ratio reminiscent of his best years at Lille.

The goal against Real Madrid that changed everything

The turning point for the fans came on September 20, when Atlético beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano. That afternoon, David scored the decisive goal and confirmed that his scoring touch was back. The derby win ended any lingering doubts about a transfer that had gone somewhat under the radar after being completed at the very end of the window.

The Canadian's celebration in the Madrid derby made headlines and cemented his status as one of the most popular players among the crowd within just a few weeks. His name is already part of the chants and the conversations about the LaLiga title race.

Why David says everything flowed without effort

"Maybe a bit of fresh air did the trick. Maybe the change of environment helped," David said about his move to Atlético.

The forward himself has explained that his adaptation happened organically, without forcing anything. Speaking while on international duty with Canada, he admitted the change of scenery did him good after a difficult season in Turin. Rather than dwelling on his time at Juventus, David prefers to focus on the present and the positive feelings he experiences every week in Madrid.

The step up in quality he appreciates in Atlético's dressing room

David has not hesitated to point to his new teammates as a key factor in his form. The Canadian says he shares a dressing room with players who are highly capable of playing the final ball, which allows him to focus on what he does best: finishing. That connection with Atlético's creators has multiplied his clear chances per game.

"I play with a lot of players who have that ability to give the final pass. They make my job much easier. The only thing I have to do is finish," David said.

That sense of comfort contrasts with his time in Italy, where his lack of accuracy became an issue and eventually weighed on his performances. At Atlético, he feels like a protagonist again, decisive in every fixture.

The purchase option Atlético Madrid are weighing

The loan agreement between Juventus and Atlético includes a purchase option worth 25 million euros. Given the level shown by the Canadian, the club's board is now seriously considering triggering it to secure his future beyond this season. The investment looks reasonable for a 25-year-old striker who has adapted naturally to the Cholo's style.

His spell at Lille backs up the bet: 109 goals in 232 official games over five Ligue 1 seasons. Those numbers were what convinced Simeone to push for his signing, with the idea of bringing back the striker's most productive version. So far, the plan is working.

Jonathan David's scoring revival after his Juventus spell

At Juventus, David endured a first season far from expectations. He managed just eight goals in 46 appearances, a low return for a striker used to competing for the scoring charts in France. His lack of finishing became a burden and eventually opened the door to a summer exit.

The loan to Atlético has restored his confidence and, above all, his eye for goal. Recovering the scoring rhythm he showed at Lille was one of the coaching staff's main objectives, and the early numbers offer plenty of reason for optimism. David is finding the net again with the regularity of his best seasons.