The 2024/25 season is not being easy for Rodrigo Riquelme at Atlético de Madrid. After a start where he used to have minutes as a substitute, his presence in Diego Simeone's plans has been decreasing over the months. Now, with Ángel Correa's suspension, the youth player might have the opportunity he has been waiting for to regain his prominence.
Riquelme, From Regular Substitute to Months Without Minutes
In the first part of the season, Riquelme was a frequent change in Cholo Simeone's schemes. His ability to bring dynamism on the wing and his defensive sacrifice made him a valuable player in the final minutes of matches. However, his performance declined, and at times, he appeared more subdued compared to his teammates.
This situation led him to lose prominence to the point of stringing together seven consecutive matches without playing, accumulating only 42 minutes in recent months. His last appearance was on February 4 against Getafe, where he played just 10 minutes.
Correa's Suspension, Riquelme's Great Opportunity
With the recent expulsion of Ángel Correa in the match against Getafe, Atlético de Madrid is left without a key piece in its offensive scheme. Correa, usually a substitute and capable of playing in various attacking positions, could be suspended for 4 to 12 matches, which opens up a possibility for Riquelme.
Cholo has placed great importance on bench players, and in fact, Atlético de Madrid is the top-scoring team among the five major European leagues with substitutes. With Correa's absence, Riquelme is the most similar player in terms of mobility and dribbling ability, which could make him a key piece in the upcoming matches.
Final Decision in the Coming Weeks?
The coming weeks will be crucial for Rodrigo Riquelme. If he manages to take advantage of the minutes Simeone gives him, he could regain his role within the team and change the perception of him in the squad. Otherwise, his future at Atlético de Madrid could be in question ahead of the summer market.