Talking points: Are Burnley the 'English Atleti' and do Sean Dyche and Diego Simeone share the same footballing DNA?

Here are a few thoughts as the Clarets closed in on a record points total in the Premier League to stay in contention for European qualification.

Finding a way...

"Going to Anfield, we all know it’s a tough task, so to go there and find a way is a great credit to them."

Those were Burnley boss Sean Dyche's words back in March, pre-pandemic, when Atletico Madrid knocked holders Liverpool out of the Champions League.

The La Liga outfit were labelled the 'Spanish Burnley' that night in the red part of Merseyside following their smash and grab triumph.

"People forget the goalkeeper is allowed to play well, so are the defenders, they're allowed to tackle and break the play up," added Dyche.

"And they’re allowed to go and score goals.

"They did all that. And sometimes that’s what you’ve got to go and do."

Indeed, a prophetic analysis from the Turf Moor chief. After seeing just 29% of the ball, mirroring Atleti's possession stats, the Clarets ended Liverpool's record-breaking winning run on their own patch.

The two clubs, and their heads of state, probably aren't too far removed after all. The Reds had 57 shots on goal over those two games, converting three, with goalkeepers Jan Oblak and

Nick Pope collecting the man of the match accolades.

Dyche has never been a zealot to any particular brand of football. It's all about substance over style and finding a way to win, a view Simeone would probably share.

It is perhaps the reason why for England winger Joe Cole suggested that the pair share the same footballing DNA: "You talk about Diego Simeone and how important he is for Atletico Madrid, you could argue that Sean Dyche is just as important to this club.

"Different levels, granted, but the way his team plays within, his character and his DNA that runs through them. If you look at how well-drilled they were, it's fantastic."

Proudest man in Proudsville

Two-and-a-half years ago, when Burnley had beaten Stoke City at Turf Moor to climb into the Champions League places, Dyche declared himself to be "the proudest man in Proudsville".

The Clarets, who had edged a five-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge against defending champions Chelsea on the opening day of the campaign, found a way past the Potters thanks to Ashley Barnes's goal to climb up to fourth.

Burnley would culminate the term in seventh spot to secure European football for the first time since 1967.

"I'm very proud, I'm super proud, I'm the proudest man in Proudsville," he said at the time.

"Football is about realities but also about dreams. It's a tough task for us winning games at this level but Leicester blew the roof off dreams in football - there's no bold statement from me on that.

"We've got an aligned thinking here, there's no superstars, no favourites from me. I believe in all of them. We've got a group of people - there's a belief in everything we do here."

His group have continued to fuel that pride. While remaining reality-bound, having gained an understanding of how cut-throat the Premier League can be, the club have continued to beat the odds and defy expectation.

This season, considering the challenges they've faced, their efforts will be just as admirable as those in 2017/18, whether they secure a European place or not.

To maintain that level of consistency in performances, with such a threadbare squad and faced with a congested schedule, is testament to the group's attitude, application and mentality.

Dyche's side are now just four points shy of the total they accrued during the 2017/18 campaign with three games left to play following a second draw in three visits to Anfield.

After ending Liverpool's record-breaking run on their own turf, he said: "I am super proud of the players, win or lose, they always give us everything.

"When I first came to the club I only promised sweat on the shirt. I didn't promise anything other than you will have a team that gives everything and if there is ever an advert for a team that gives everything then it is this run of games and results."

Nick Pope

It couldn't be any closer in the race for the Golden Glove with no less than four goalkeepers in contention for the award with four games of the season remaining.

Nick Pope and Manchester City's Ederson are now out in front with 14 clean sheets, they have Alisson and Dean Henderson for company while Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel loiters on the periphery.

No goalkeeper from outside City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal has won the accolade since it was introduced in 2004/05, so it would be hugely impressive if either of the 'outsiders' were able to land it.

Pope's stock is rising, and it comes as no surprise what-so-ever. He was outstanding against West Ham United at the London Stadium, making big saves at key moments in the game, and he was arguably even better at the home of the champions.

Two saves stood out in-particular, as he clawed first half attempts from Mo Salah and Sadio Mane from the top corner, but that formed only a small percentage of his repertoire.

Jordan Pickford's time as England's number one is surely under threat and Gareth Southgate will have a decision to make when international football resumes.

Pope could well be between the posts when the Three Lions take on Iceland in the UEFA Nations League in September.

“I think Popey was excellent again," said Dyche, after Reds boss Jurgen Klopp claimed that the game had turned in to 'Liverpool versus Nick Pope'.

"He had his boots on the wrong feet from his kicking, which is unusual, but his job is to keep it out of the net.

“Someone said to me the other night how unorthodox he is - I’m not bothered as long as it doesn’t go in the net, that’s his job and he does it very well.

“He’s been performing very well all season. One of his biggest strengths is if he makes a mistake he just stays calm and gets on with the job. For keepers that’s a tremendous thing to have.

“I think he’s improving. His dominance around the box is there for all to see. He’s unorthodox in the sense he makes saves people probably wouldn’t expect him to make.

"He’s enjoying the group in front of him because he’s had to play well at times but equally the group in front of him are giving their lot to make sure, even in tough games like this against top opposition, they try and keep him protected and try and find a moment to win the game. I think he’s respectful of the players in front of him."