One of the good news at Atlético de Madrid this season is that Simeone has found a reliable replacement for Kieran Trippier. The Englishman left for Newcastle in the winter market of 2022, forcing the red-and-white team to sign Daniel Wass. The former Valencia player didn't manage to settle and would end up leaving that same summer, although the reason was personal and not sports-related.
Kieran Trippier had managed to make people forget about Juanfran Torres, who had been the undisputed owner of the right-back position for almost a decade. Now, Nahuel Molina and Marcos Llorente are the footballers rotating in that position, both having delivered great performances this season. Meanwhile, the former red-and-white player continues his career as a commentator, analyzing the participation of the colchoneros in the Club World Cup.
Juanfran Torres's Wish
The former Atlético de Madrid player has given an interview to FIFA in which he talks about the red-and-white team's group and his wish for the new tournament. "The trophy is unbelievable and hopefully Atleti can win it," explained the Alicante native, who has remained very connected to the current events of the colchonero team. In fact, his name emerged as a potential addition to the sporting management, although it hasn't been confirmed.
"The Botafogo fans are unbelievable and I think there will be very little difference between the European teams because everyone wants to take home this desired trophy," he stated. It should be noted that the Madrid club's group will be formed, in addition to the current Copa Libertadores champion, by PSG and Seattle Sounders. "In all the years I've been able to be there, what I've liked the most is that my fans were with me in the good times and the bad," he said about the supporters.
A Historic Right-Back with Simeone
In purely sporting terms, it is undeniable that Juanfran Torres's performance was far above what would have been expected initially with his arrival. First of all, he wasn't a right-back, but he had to be converted to that position once he arrived at Vicente Calderón, ultimately thriving under Simeone. For several years, he was considered one of the best in that position, being a key piece until he left in 2019.
He had a brief stint in Brazil, wearing the São Paulo jersey, although he soon moved into team management with Intercity. Now, he is one of the visible faces of Atlético de Madrid at different events and is one of the commentators for the red-and-white team on the DAZN platform. It wasn't an easy task to find a replacement who could be at his same level, although it is a position that is now very well covered.