Atlético de Madrid have started LaLiga in a better dynamic than many people, including the club's fans, might think. The draw against Espanyol may have sown some doubts among the fans, doubts that were dispelled with the important victory in one of the most difficult grounds of the tournament, San Mamés. Adding to that victory another against a Champions team like Girona and a meritorious draw at La Cerámica, Diego Pablo Simeone's team have successfully overcome several initial challenges.
Much of the good dynamic of the colchoneros is due to the team's flagship players during these first four rounds, such as Marcos Llorente and José María Giménez , among others. Both players have been nominated for the 5 Star Player of the month of August as a reward for their great performance in this complicated start to the championship. Adding their names to those of Ángel Correa , Robin Le Normand or Reinildo Mandava , Llorente and Giménez are the favourites to win this honourable recognition.
Atlético is looking for its 5-star player
As is usual, at the beginning of the month the nominees for the award of best Atlético de Madrid player during each previous month in the calendar are announced. The five candidates mentioned above are the nominees for the award, which is usually always a boost to the player's confidence and a boost of energy to continue performing well. That is why this cast of red-and-white stars are grateful for the nomination and will try to continue maintaining that level to receive more throughout the year and help the team.
With Llorente, Giménez and Le Normand being the favourites to win the award, the public is faced with a difficult decision as to which of them deserves the famous victory the most. The Madrid native has more chances than his two competitors due to his stratospheric debut in Villarreal and his apotheotic debut at the Metropolitano against Girona , scoring in both games. Although the chosen candidates deserve their nomination, there is one notable absentee who has not gone unnoticed by a fan base incredulous at his absence.
Pablo Barrios out of the 5 stars
The Atlético youth player has been one of the best in the first four games, showing his self-confidence and character, as well as his ball control. Barrios knows that, after winning the Olympic gold, this was the year to put on the number '8' on his back and establish himself as one of the most important players for Simeone . Despite having suffered a serious injury that will keep him off the pitch for a month , the Madrid native is already working on his recovery to return as soon as possible.
An essential footballer
Precisely because of his recent consolidation in the elite, it is even more striking that Barrios was not among the five nominees for the best player of the month of August. His role in Atlético is fundamental, so much so that Cholo 's team will greatly regret his absence in the midfield of Atlético de Madrid in September. Even so, the red-and-whites will be able to regroup with the great squad they have and will replace the Atlético pearl with other 5-star players.