One of the most surprising departures from Atlético de Madrid was that of Arthur Vermeeren, who left on loan to Leipzig. The Belgian midfielder seemed to be convincing Simeone during pre-season, having many opportunities in friendlies. However, he was unable to find a place in the midfield and decided to leave for German football.
For now, that gamble has not paid off, as he is not guaranteed a starting position or a place in the Belgium national team . In fact, many in the red-and-white team have remembered him because he could have been perfect after Pablo Barrios ' injury. He was called up for this international break, but has not been able to add a single minute in any of the matches.
Arthur Vermeeren seeks his place
The Belgian midfielder has certainly been treated unfairly at the club, with few opportunities. Arthur Vermeeren barely got any minutes last season, arriving at the Metropolitano in January. However, it seemed that the pre-season was going to change his luck, and he was able to work with Simeone from day one.
In the final days of the summer transfer window , the club needed some exits to be able to register all their new signings. Arthur Vermeeren was one of those sacrificed, leaving on loan to Leipzig for 3 million euros. In addition, the Germans have kept a mandatory purchase option of 20 million euros if certain requirements are met.
The former Antwerp player made his debut in the final minutes of the victory over Bayer Leverkusen , just before the international break. Arthur Vermeeren was called up to the Belgium national team, but has not played against Israel or France . It will not be easy for him to fight for a starting place, as players such as Xavi Simons and Kevin Kampl have been leading Leipzig in the engine room for many years.
Pablo Barrios' replacement
Many Atlético de Madrid fans have remembered the Belgian after Pablo Barrios' muscle injury was confirmed. Right now, Simeone only has three midfielders, with very few alternatives. In that context, Arthur Vermeeren could have been perfect , as the Argentine coach is giving minutes to almost the entire squad .
It should be remembered that some players such as Thomas Lemar have not yet been able to make their debut and, in fact, have not yet been included in any of the squad lists. Given this situation, everything seems to indicate that the sporting management may have been left somewhat short of players in the centre of the field. Simeone will have a very difficult time replacing Pablo Barrios , who was one of the great stars at the start of this season.