Atlético de Madrid have already begun preparations for their next league match. After an international break that has left some ups and downs, especially with the serious injury of Pablo Barrios , the Atlético players are already back to normal. Valencia CF will be the next opponent of the red-and-whites, who will host one of the worst teams in this league start at the Metropolitano .
However, they know that the "che" team has always given Atlético de Madrid a lot of problems both at home and away. For this reason, Cholo is already carrying out his first tests of the starting eleven , although he still has to recover some international players who are on their way. In these tests, there is a player who has returned to occupy the left lane after being a substitute in San Mamés : Rodrigo Riquelme .
He could beat Reinildo for the job
Despite the Mozambican having started the season on the right foot, it seems that Diego Pablo Simeone has opted for a more attacking profile. Therefore, against a defence that could be completed by Azpilicueta, Giménez and Le Normand, Reinildo would only have room on the left flank. However, Rodrigo Riquelme has burst into his plans and, if Cholo does not change anything by next Sunday, the Madrid native would start.
Curiously, he would start again at the Cívitas Metropolitano as he did against Girona and RCD Espanyol at the same venue. The red-and-white home ground seems to be the best place for Rodrigo Riquelme , since at La Cerámica and San Mamés he had to come off the bench. For the moment, the 24-year-old footballer has not yet participated in any of the six goals that Atlético de Madrid have scored at the start of the league.
However, he has shown great determination and desire to take over a position that was already taken by Samuel Lino last season. In fact, against RCD Espanyol he scored two goals that ended up being ruled out for offside, leaving the score at zero to the despair of Atlético. Now, after the Brazilian's promotion to the attacking midfield, Rodrigo Riquelme wants to take over the left flank despite his defensive problems, which he continues to work hard on today.
Focused on Atlético despite his future
Rodrigo Riquelme 's name has appeared on the list of several clubs during the summer, especially Roma . The Italian team seemed to be the team most interested in the services of the Madrid native, as well as being liked by De Rossi . However, the "lupi" were unable to meet the financial demands of Atlético de Madrid who, according to several media outlets, were willing to negotiate if their demands were met.
However, nothing really worked out, so Rodrigo Riquelme has stayed for another season at Atlético de Madrid . The club that saw him grow up through the youth ranks, and where he has shown a great desire to succeed as a footballer. Now, against Valencia , if all goes well, he will have another opportunity to earn a place in Diego Pablo Simeone 's eleven.