Samuel Lino was one of Atlético de Madrid's best players last season, and his arrival at the team was both novel and effective from the start. The Brazilian was almost an undisputed starter for Diego Pablo Simeone, who was delighted with his young player, who had just arrived from Rio de Janeiro and had matured after a loan to Valencia. Lino was the architect of epic victories last year thanks to his goals, assists and explosive plays on the left flank, which he took over with his play and his overflowing style.
However, this Lino is not the same one who delighted the Atlético fans last year, with 24/25 being a very weak season for the South American winger. Lino hasn't yet started scoring and has barely played any minutes, given the change in the system and the insignificance of the '12' every time he plays. For this reason, both Simeone and the club are already looking for a reliable replacement with a similar profile and who performs as Lino used to do last season.
A Substitute Worthy of the Player
The Brazilian left a significant mark in 2024/25 with his joyful play and his determination when facing and finishing, especially considering his new arrival. Lino made such an impact on the team that a large part of the fans chose him as the best player of the season above club luminaries such as Antoine Griezmann. However, this year the bench and the second halves seem to have taken over the soccer of Samu Lino, who hopes to be able to reverse his situation and recover his best level.
Even so, Atlético has already made enquiries into several players who could replace him, competing with Villarreal for his transfer from English soccer, where he is standing out quite a bit. Borja Sanz seems to have been the choice of the Colchoneros and Groguets to reinforce their sides, thanks to the great performance of the Spaniard at Norwich City at the start of this season. Even so, Atlético doesn't have in mind paying the 25 million demanded by England, where the player is valued at just 2.2 million, so Lino must wake up.
In time to redeem oneself
Lino hasn't spoken his final word this year, even despite all the pressure and criticism he is receiving for his poor performance this season. Lino knows that he has to improve his soccer, or rather polish it to the point of being that unbalanced and unpredictable player again in order to give the red-and-whites a lot of joy. Willing to redeem himself and get his game back on track, Samu Lino will work to regain Simeone 's trust after the international break of these weeks.