7 stars Atletico Madrid sold to Premier League proving they're go-to place for players

dailystar.co.uk:

Atletico Madrid are set to host Manchester United in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.The Spanish champions have built a reputation in the past for being the go-to place for Premier League clubs to do their shopping during the transfer windows.A host of current and past stars of the league have been signed from Atletico, including former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres and Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero.Therefore, here are seven of the most impressive stars sold to the Premier League by Atletico in the past.Belgian centre back Toby Alderweireld joined Atletico in 2013 after spending nine years with Ajax after joining their famous youth academy aged 15.Alderweireld made 22 appearances for Atletico as they won the league in his first season in Spain but was unable to establish himself as a regular starter.He was loaned to the Premier League the following year, starring for Southampton as they qualified for the Europa League, earning him a permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur.Across his six years with Spurs, the Belgian international made over 200 appearances and was part of a side which reached the final of the Champions League in 2019.Despite spending just one season with Atletico's first team, Rodri did spend six years in the club's academy before his spell with Villarreal.Having returned to Madrid in 2018, the midfielder's performances that season resulted in Manchester City paying over £50million to sign him a year later.He has since gone on to win a league title and two League Cups with City, becoming an integral member of Pep Guardiola's side and is capable of the occasional long-range screamer.David de Gea was just 20 when he left.