At Atlético de Madrid, he has been looking after a youth team for many years, which is increasingly producing players with a great future. One of the players who generates the most expectations among the fans is Ilias Kostis, a Greek defender who already made his debut with the first team in the Champions League. This pre-season, he was able to gain Simeone's trust and become a starter in defence ahead of players like Reinildo.
However, he is still in the youth ranks of the red-and-white team and training under the orders of Fernando Torres . During this September break, he was called up by the Greek U-21 team and was decisive in yesterday's victory against the Faroe Islands. Ilias Kostis is aware that he will have the opportunity to play with the first team again in a season as long as the current one.
Ilias Kostis vindicates himself with Greece
Many voices at Atlético de Madrid were confident that the young defender would have the opportunity to establish himself in the first team this season. Simeone gave him a lot of confidence during the pre-season friendlies, leaving very good impressions in the back line. In fact, the difficulties in signing a left-footed player increased the chances of Ilias Kostis earning his chance .
However, it seems that there is still no full confidence in his level and he has had to return to the lower categories. For now, he remains an undisputed starter for Fernando Torres at the start of the season, being the leader of the defense in 1ª RFEF. In addition, he is also an important piece in the Greek national team, managing to score an important goal in the rout against the Faroe Islands .
Ilias Kostis scored his country's second goal in a decisive match in their bid to qualify for the Under-21 European Championship. The Greeks are currently second on 17 points, four behind Portugal and one ahead of Croatia . In fact, Greece will face the Croatians in the October break in a clash that could end up being decisive for their ticket to the 2025 tournament.
Competition for Reinildo
Taking into account the first four games , everything points to the Mozambican starting as the big favourite to occupy that left-footed role. Reinildo has improved his level considerably compared to last season, once again earning praise from Simeone . The only alternative he has is César Azpilicueta , who is already fully established to play in that position.
It remains to be seen what form Clement Lenglet will take, and he could have the chance to start this Sunday against Valencia . In this scenario, it seems likely that Ilias Kostis could once again have a great opportunity like the one he had against Feyenoord at the Metropolitano. The Greek is not burdened by the pressure and knows that he has many options to establish himself in the first team .