This September will be a turning point for many Atlético de Madrid players, who will have a great opportunity during these weeks. On the 19th, the red-and-white team will begin its journey in the new Champions League and will have matches more frequently. Therefore, Simeone will be forced to make numerous rotations, something that has already been seen in these first four days.
In that scenario, one of the big beneficiaries will be Rodrigo Riquelme , who is still looking to show his best level. The Atletico youth player stood out in the draw against Espanyol , scoring two goals that ended up being disallowed for offside. Right now, Samuel Lino continues to start as an undisputed starter on the left flank, but the Spaniard could return to the starting lineup against Valencia .
Riquelme knocks on Simeone's door
The midfielder faces his second season as a member of the Atlético first team , still looking for his best position in the system. As in the previous campaign, Simeone continues to have in mind the possibility of adapting Rodrigo Riquelme to the position of left-back . This has been demonstrated at the start of the season, placing him in that position while he had moved Samuel Lino ahead.
In several games, we have seen a good version of the player occupying that position, although he has not found consistency. This September, Atlético de Madrid will have to face many games with very little rest between them. This context will be ideal for players like Rodrigo Riquelme , who need to take advantage of rotations to earn a place in the starting eleven.
In these first four games, Simeone has given his player the opportunity to start in two league matches. The truth is that he has left very good impressions , but he still seems a long way from being able to overtake Samuel Lino . The Brazilian continues to be an undisputed starter for the Argentine coach and it seems very difficult for him to lose that status with the line of five defenders .
Samuel Lino, his great obstacle
In the second half of last season, Simeone even opted to have both players start on the left wing. Both Samuel Lino and Riquelme have complemented each other very well by starting as starters, constantly exchanging positions. Obviously, the Atlético youth player has always performed better when he has had the opportunity to get close to the opponent's goal .
Riquelme has often found himself at the forefront of the attack, even in some pre-season matches. Simeone knows that this is where he has played his best away from Atlético de Madrid , but there is too much competition there this year. That will be the great challenge for the Spanish player, to be able to stand out in a team from Atlético de Madrid whose squad is more competitive than in previous years.