Pablo Barrios, a promising young player for Atlético de Madrid and a key player in the Spanish Under-21 team , has revealed the admiration and respect he feels toward Koke, his teammate and captain. In an interview with El Desmarque, he talked about his desire to reach Koke's level and how he encourages him with jokes about becoming his successor in the Atlético midfield. “He often tells me this as a joke, but it's clear that I still have a long way to go to match his career,” Barrios commented.
Koke's influence on Barrios goes beyond soccer, becoming a reference both on the field and in the locker room. For Barrios, Koke's figure represents a constant source of learning, especially in key aspects of the game and the necessary mentality to succeed at Atlético de Madrid. Koke's career, who is a symbol for the fans and a model of dedication and love for the club, is a goal and an inspiration for the young midfielder.
Koke, a Total Reference
This admiration is not only a reflection of Barrios' respect for Koke , but also of the importance of having experienced players. Koke has taken on a crucial role in guiding youngsters like Barrios, helping them understand the club's philosophy. This support is essential for the development of Barrios, who follows in his captain's footsteps with the goal of being important at Atleti.
Barrios also spoke about the challenges and dreams he has in his career, including achieving success in important competitions such as the Champions League. However, the youngster knows that his evolution at Atlético is key to achieving these goals. To do so, it's a privilege to have Koke as a mentor and companion on the road to becoming a Atlético legend.
Atlético de Madrid, for their part, see Barrios as a natural future successor to Koke. This way, he secured his permanence at the club with a release clause of 100 million euros and a contract until 2028. Pablo Barrios' potential is evident, but the road is long, and he himself recognizes that equalling his captain is a challenge as demanding as it's inspiring.