Atletico Madrid v Manchester United: How Angel Correa has emerged from the shadows

When Angel Correa signed for Atletico Madrid for 7.5m euros as a 19-year-old in 2014, big things were expected from the Argentine forward.

But, even before the teenager kicked the ball for the his new side, Correa was diagnosed with a heart tumour that put his career at risk and saw him wait 16 months for his Atletico debut after immediate surgery.

Now, the pint-sized dynamo — who has often been underrated despite more than 300 appearances for Diego Simeone's side — is finally stepping out of the shadows.

Atletico entertain Manchester United in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, with the likes of Luis Suarez, £100m signing Joao Felix and French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann at their disposal. But, arguably, it is Correa who will pose the biggest threat to United.

The 26 year-old, who can play either on the right wing or as a support striker, has scored a team-high 12 goals so far this season and is starting to finally earn long overdue recognition.

However, on the whole, Atletico's recent form has been deeply troubling. Nine defeats in their past 17 games has seen them fall to fifth place in La Liga and now sees Simeone face by far the fiercest pressure of his ten-year reign.

But Correa has been an exception, rising above the inconsistency of his teammates to win La Liga's January player of the month award and continuing his strong form with a sweetly taken strike to cap a badly needed 3-0 win at Osasuna on Saturday.

Former United striker Terry Gibson has covered many Atletico games as a pundit for La Liga TV, and explained to BBC Sport why he is firmly among Correa's growing band of admirers.

«He can play in different positions, he's reliable and he's in sensational form,» Gibson said. «He's the ideal striker for