Rodrigo Riquelme, one of Atlético de Madrid's young prospects, is receiving some criticism from the red-white fans after his performance in the first games of the 2024/25 season. Simeone's team has obtained a valuable victory in its first Champions League match against Leipzig. The pressure on Rodrigo Riquelme is increased, partly due to the good performances of his competitor, Samuel Lino, who is proving very fit at the start.
Rodrigo Riquelme is not Catching up According to Atlético de Madrid Fans
Rodrigo Riquelme started the match at the Metropolitano, where Atlético de Madrid won 2-1 thanks to a last-minute header from José María Giménez. His game was not the best, and the red-white fans have begun to question his level. The comparison with Samuel Lino, who has stood out in recent matches, is highlighting Rodrigo Riquelme's poor performance.
The 24-year-old Atletico youth player has not been able to stand out with his game or make a difference in the Atletico offense. His lack of balance, his inaccuracy in his passes and his limited participation in the collective game have caused concern among the fans. The explosiveness and verticality that Lino is bringing from the wing, something that Simeone values greatly, contrasts with the irregularity that Rodrigo Riquelme has shown at the start of the season.
The red-white fans are commenting on Rodrigo Riquelme's poor performance on social media. Messages such as: "He's still too green" or "He doesn't have what it takes to be in Atlético de Madrid" have been posted by Atlético de Madrid supporters. Both Simeone and they expect a lot from him, who is without a doubt one of the best youth players in recent years.
Rodrigo Riquelme's Career: Prospect in the Making
Rodrigo Riquelme is one of the most notable products of the Atlético de Madrid youth system. Born in Madrid on April 2, 2000, he began his career in the lower leagues of the red-white club. He soon caught Simeone's attention for his technical skills, his ability to overcome rivals and his creativity in offense.
After standing out in Atlético de Madrid's B division, Rodrigo Riquelme made his major-league debut in the 2019/20 season under Simeone. However, due to strong competition in his position and the need for more minutes, the club decided to loan him out to lower-level teams to continue his development. Samuel Lino has taken advantage of every opportunity in the main league to show that he has the level to be a key player for Atlético de Madrid.
Rodrigo Riquelme was first loaned to English Championship team Bournemouth during the 2020/21 season, where he left some hints of his great talent, but without fully consolidating himself. Later, he played for Girona in the 2021/22 season, where he experienced his great jump to success. Unlike Samuel Lino, who has shown consistency and perseverance in his performances, Rodrigo Riquelme continues to struggle to find that stability that will consolidate him in the elite.
At the Catalan club, Rodrigo Riquelme was a key player in the team's promotion to La Liga, which earned him a return to Atlético with more experience and achievements. Since his return, he has not managed to establish himself as an undisputed starter in Simeone's team. The fight for a place in the starting eleven seems increasingly complicated for Rodrigo Riquelme, who needs to raise his level if he doesn't want to be left behind in the competition.