Rodrigo Javier de Paul 's performances are closely watched by many Atlético de Madrid fans. The truth is that "el motorcito" is a player who has both staunch defenders, not many, and great critics within the Atlético de Madrid fans. The Argentine was a substitute against Villarreal , coming on in the 64th minute, replacing Koke .
The former Racing Club , Valencia CF and Udinese player played a few discreet minutes, typical of a player who has just completed pre-season training. Rodrigo de Paul returned to training on August 4. He played 46 minutes against Juventus in Sweden and 26 minutes yesterday in Villarreal , proving to be far from his best form.
Ilias broke Lino and exposed De Paul
The play that portrayed this was one towards the end of the match, where Ilias Akhomach outflanked Samuel Lino and the Argentine was left watching. The Brazilian was literally left exhausted on the pitch, while Rodrigo de Paul , instead of supporting him, limited himself to observing him, which caused outrage on social media among Atlético fans.
His statistics, in fact, are at least surprising: in 26 minutes he did not recover a single ball, lost five, did not commit fouls or receive a shot on goal. Alarming data that proves right those who criticise the Argentine for his efforts both in his national team and at Atlético de Madrid .
The difference with Argentina
In the final against Colombia , the Argentine was one of the best players in his country, of course it was a Copa America final. One cannot ignore, apart from the motivation that the Argentine clearly feels with the Albiceleste, the moment of the season. It was his last game before the holidays, and he decided to give his all as he has rarely done with Atlético de Madrid .
Compared to Koke , whom he replaced, the Argentine at least won 3 out of 5 duels on the ground, won another duel in the air and only committed one foul. Even though his night was not the best, he made three tackles.
He scored an own goal after a bad clearance by Jan Oblak with interference from Axel Witsel ; the ball hit the captain and went into the Slovenian's goal. From the bench the captain saw the "show" of the Argentine, already good I'm sure, which made him very upset.
Diego Simeone is clear: He has confidence in Rodrigo de Paul
Rodrigo de Paul is shaping up to be one of the team's key players this season . Diego Pablo Simeone hopes he will step up and be as key as he was in the arrival of Julián Álvarez . The Argentine helped his compatriot choose the Metropolitano , influencing him with his friendship.
Rodrigo Javier de Paul dreams of winning a title at Atlético
The dream of the motorcito, after having achieved everything possible with Argentina , is now to win something with Atlético de Madrid . Although, with performances like yesterday's, he will be very far from achieving it. Despite everything, it cannot be ignored that he is lacking in form and rhythm, and that as the games go by he has to gain weight in the team.
Along with Ángel Correa, Nahuel Molina and now with Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone , they will be part of the new Argentine clan in the dressing room. There were three, now there are five, without forgetting that there are up to five more Albicelestes in the coaching staff.