Atlético de Madrid return to league action tomorrow with a demanding match against a Valencia side that is in a very bad state. Rubén Baraja's team has not managed to win in the first four games and has only managed to get one point in its tally this season. Meanwhile, the red-and-white team wants to avoid the mistakes made against Espanyol and get a vital win before the Champions League debut.
During the international break, one of Simeone 's biggest doubts was whether to give Clément Lenglet the chance to start in the Atlético de Madrid defence. The French defender is the only signing who has not yet had any minutes and hopes to start being an important piece. However, everything points to him not being able to play his first game as a Atlético player tomorrow, starting from the bench.
Clément Lenglet is waiting for his chance
Until now, almost all of Atlético de Madrid 's summer signings have had the opportunity to step onto the pitch at some point. In fact, practically all of them have had the chance to start in the first four games, adapting quickly. The only one who is not on that list is Clément Lenglet , precisely the latest reinforcement to arrive at the red-and-white team.
The Frenchman was chosen to replace Mario Hermoso after giving up on signing David Hancko , who was his priority. Even so, his level in recent seasons has been far below expectations, not finding consistency in England in his last two loans to the Premier League . The reality is that it was a market opportunity at a time when Atlético de Madrid did not have enough salary margin to close other reinforcements that Diego Pablo Simeone requested.
The clash against Valencia seemed like a good stage for Clément Lenglet to get into rhythm, being an opponent that comes with many problems. However, according to Simeone 's latest tests, everything points to César Azpilicueta being the one to occupy that left-footed profile . Reinildo will also start as a substitute, having started in the two games that Mozambique has played during this break.
Simeone's doubts
The reality is that everything seems to indicate that tomorrow's match was perfect for Clément Lenglet , being an opponent who arrives very depleted. Many think that, if not tomorrow, what better time will the Frenchman have to be able to play his first minutes as a rojiblanco. In fact, Simeone will continue to give prominence to the internationals, betting on a forward line with Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth .
Rodrigo de Paul also has a good chance of starting, despite having played two games for Argentina this past week. Robin Le Normand , who was sent off against Switzerland , is also expected to return to the starting line-up in a defence where he has become indispensable. Simeone knows the importance of getting the three points tomorrow and wants to avoid any surprises like those that happened against Espanyol .