Atlético de Madrid will face a tricky match next week against Valencia, a club that has yet to win. The red-and-white team wants to avoid the setback suffered at home against Espanyol, where they could not get past a draw. One of the big doubts in the team managed by Rubén Baraja is their great captain, Jose Luis Gayá, who was injured last May against Girona.
The Spanish full-back had always been one of Simeone 's great wishes to be able to reinforce the defence, although it never came to pass. In fact, the rumours that linked Gayá with the colchoneros have continued until last year 2023. Right now, it is not clear if he will be ready for next Sunday's match, as he has already been able to touch the ball again in training.
Samuel Lino, Simeone's extrem
For years, Atlético de Madrid has adopted a three-man system, where they always play with two wing-backs on the wings. In order to use this approach, Simeone needed to place Carrasco on the left, achieving great performances. Once the Belgian left for Saudi Arabia , he trusted Samuel Lino to be his substitute on the left wing.
The performance of the young Brazilian footballer could not have been better, being an undisputed starter in Simeone 's plans. He was even chosen as the best player of last season in the red and white team ahead of Axel Witsel . It was not an easy road, as both Riquelme and Javi Galán had their chance before, although they did not end up convincing.
Now, another step forward is expected from Samuel Lino in a season in which he has already fully adapted to this new position. However, the fate of the former Gil Vicente player could have changed radically if Atlético de Madrid had signed the player they had long desired. For years, José Luis Gayá had been one of the main objectives of the sporting management in order to strengthen the defence.
Gayá, the eternal desire of Gil Marín
It is not a surprise to know at this point that the Spanish international had always been in the sights of Atlético de Madrid . José Luis Gayá has been one of the best options for the rearguard in terms of quality-price , but it was never achieved. The Valencia captain has shown himself to be very attached to his club, even in times when they were fighting to avoid relegation .
The last time his name was linked to the Colchoneros was in 2023, the summer in which Carrasco left. At that time, there were many doubts about who would be the Belgian's replacement, with Javi Galán arriving at the Metropolitano . He was a player very similar to José Luis Gayá , although much more affordable from an economic point of view.
His return to the pitch is currently up in the air, as he was injured before the end of last season. Jose Luis Gayá missed the Euro Cup and had to undergo surgery, preventing him from playing at the start of the season. Rubén Baraja has already received good news, as he has been able to train with the ball again and his return is much closer.