One of the best players so far at Atlético de Madrid is Pablo Barrios, who is already an undisputed player. Despite the fact that the youth team player joined the team late in the pre-season, he has needed little time to become a regular starter. In fact, his level has been so good in the first four games that he has received great news from LaLiga.
Pablo Barrios is one of the great promises of Spanish football, having won the gold medal at the last Olympic Games in Paris . There have even been rumours that he is a real option to be included in Luis de la Fuente 's list of players for this September break. At Atlético de Madrid it is hoped that this will be the season in which he can take a step forward and become the natural replacement for Koke .
Pablo Barrios, nominated for player of the month
One of the awards that has been created in LaLiga recently is the best young player of the month, which could be won this month by the Atlético youth player. Pablo Barrios has been one of the best players in the league championship during the first four rounds that have already been played. He has become an undisputed player in Simeone's plans, even surpassing Koke and Rodrigo de Paul .
The midfielder returned to Atlético de Madrid after showing great form at the Paris Olympic Games and winning the gold medal. Many voices spoke of the possibility of seeing the red-and-white player debuting with the Spanish national team during this break. Therefore, it is normal that LaLiga has nominated him, along with four other players, to win the award for the best young player of the month of August.
Pablo Barrios' rivals will be Lamine Yamal , Raúl Moro , Alejo Véliz and Uche , all of them key players in their respective teams. Obviously, there is a lot of excitement in the Atlético team to see their young promise take home this trophy that rewards his level. Right now, he is concentrated with the Spanish U-21 team before returning to Madrid to face the match against Valencia.
Koke's natural substitute
For many years, one of Simeone 's objectives was to find a reliable midfielder who could replace the captain. Koke is one of the men trusted by the rojiblanco coach and a player who does not have a top-quality substitute. Last season, it was Pablo Barrios who took his place when he was injured in the first match against Granada .
Koke is one of the players who plays the most games and runs the most kilometres each season, and he needs a high-quality replacement. Given the start of the campaign, everything points to the fact that the man destined to replace him is already in the squad. Pablo Barrios can continue to grow in Koke's shadow and become the substitute for the red-and-white legend for the coming years.