Surely, Atlético de Madrid has one of its most competitive squads in recent years, with numerous options in all positions. Therefore, it is logical that many footballers are not having the prominence they would have desired at the beginning of this season, having a residual role. Some of them are even important names that have always been on the way out and whose future is not clear at all for the summer market.
The plan in the red-and-white team is to improve even more in all positions, seeking to incorporate some of the best players in the world. This desire directly clashes with the situation of some pieces, which might have to look for another destination to try to get more minutes. This way, there is one who was close to leaving last year and seems to have many options to have to make a decision.
A Very Competitive Atlético de Madrid
The colchonero team is managing to stay in the fight for all the titles and that is thanks, especially, to having a squad full of great footballers. Whether they are the starters or those who have to start as substitutes, all are being able to be decisive and give their best performance on the field. However, there are others who are not having the role they expected and whose future will be in the air once the summer market opens.
One specific case is Rodrigo Riquelme, who has played less than 800 minutes this season and has only scored one goal and provided one assist so far. He had a few minutes in the victories against Getafe and Real Mallorca, with his last great performance being in the Copa del Rey against Elche. However, he is not a priority option for Simeone even when making changes, which clashes with the expectations for the youth player.
Simeone Praises His Gladiators
In recent matches, it has been demonstrated that Atlético de Madrid has an unparalleled resilience to survive any situation. This aspect is one of the most praised by Simeone at the start of 2025, especially in matches that seem very difficult to overcome. It seems unlikely that Cholo will make rotations, as he has found a formation and a line-up that is giving him very good results.
Rodrigo Riquelme was already in the spotlight of Roma last summer, but his desire has always been to succeed in the colchonero team. He is still 24 years old and has a market value of 22 million euros, an approximate figure that they will ask for at the Metropolitano if an offer comes in. Several months remain to finish the season, but it seems that the Spanish international will have to make a key decision for his career.