Atlético de Madrid made a statement by winning in a consistently challenging field with a first half of great merit from the players. The red-and-whites could have even gone into halftime with a greater advantage if Julián Álvarez had capitalized on a one-on-one. Another standout was Antoine Griezmann, who was under scrutiny but once again showed his best version in the attack.
Meanwhile, one of the main doubts in the colchonero team was the midfield, as Simeone couldn't count on Koke and Pablo Barrios for that match. The captain suffers from a muscle injury that will keep him off the field for several weeks, while Pablo Barrios was suspended. Cholo found a solution to join Rodrigo de Paul, and that decision could be repeated more often in the coming weeks.
Simeone's Latest Great Invention
The next month is going to be frenetic for Atlético de Madrid, facing challenging matches with all titles at stake against high-level opponents. The first challenge was to stay in the tough fight for the leadership in LaLiga, having to visit a Valencia that had notably improved in recent commitments. The colchoneros had a perfect first half thanks to a brace from Julián Alvarez and a defense that didn't suffer at any moment.
One of the great surprises that Simeone opted for was Marcos Llorente in the engine room alongside Rodrigo de Paul due to the absences. The Spanish international knows that position, having occupied it in the past both at Real Madrid and Deportivo Alavés, once again delivering a great performance. He was one of the standouts, and Cholo didn't hesitate to praise him in the subsequent press conference, even making a comparison with the best version of Saúl.
An Alternative in the Midfield
Although this new position for Marcos Llorente was preceded by the absences, the reality is that it could represent a new path for Simeone. Firstly, Koke will be out for several weeks, needing a player who can alternate with Rodrigo de Paul and Pablo Barrios in that double pivot. Additionally, it represents a new threat in the engine room, forcing the rest of the players to keep giving 100% if they don't want to lose their starting position.
It is not out of the question that Marcos Llorente could be seen more often in that new position, especially with such a packed schedule of matches in the coming weeks. It should be remembered that Atlético de Madrid will face FC Barcelona three times and Real Madrid twice, matchups that will require the best version. Therefore, it is necessary for all the footballers to be prepared to seize their opportunity and maintain the momentum in all competitions.