One of the positive notes this season at Atlético de Madrid is the great performance most of the squad is delivering, showing their best version. In fact, one of Simeone's few pending tasks is to keep the less regular players engaged to help at any moment. One of those players is Rodrigo Riquelme, who is experiencing his most challenging season since he settled in the elite.
He had matches at a high level last season, mostly playing as a left wing-back and competing with a Samuel Lino who was the great revelation. However, the homegrown player hasn't been able to maintain that image this season, finding himself relegated to a much more residual role. His future is hanging in the air, and the red-and-white team is starting to monitor potential reinforcements that could fill a vacant spot on the wing.
Interest in a Young Swedish Prospect
Although there were no signings in the winter market, the colchonero team continues to work on improving their squad and closing important deals in the summer market. One of the names that has emerged in recent hours is Roony Bardghji, a Swedish winger from COPEnhagen whose contract ends next June. Despite suffering a serious knee injury, he has been linked with major clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, or Bayern Munich.
It would be a great market opportunity, as he is only 19 years old and his value amounts to 9 million euros, being a promising player with a lot of potential. For now, his agent hasn't wanted to close any doors, although it seems that the Stamford Bridge team is the favorite to secure his services. The reality is that an addition of such characteristics would be an almost definitive blow to a Rodrigo Riquelme who needs more prominence.
A Complicated Situation at the Metropolitano
After the defeats against Lille and Real Betis, there was a radical change in Atlético de Madrid in the sporting aspect, leading Simeone to change his usual scheme. The switch to 4-4-2 has given many players the opportunity to be important, as has happened with Javi Galán and Giuliano Simeone, but others haven't had that luck. Precisely, Rodrigo Riquelme faces a lot of competition to occupy the left wing, his best position, and hasn't performed at the best level either.
His great match against Elche seemed to open the door to a starting position, at least in the short term, but the rise of Samuel Lino has sunk his chances. Conor Gallagher is also almost always playing in that same position, being a key player in Simeone's setup. Therefore, considering the possible summer moves, it seems that the colchonero homegrown player will have to make a very important decision.