Atlético de Madrid will face a very demanding month in which they will need to have all of their players at 100%. Therefore, everything points to Simeone making multiple rotations in his starting line-up ahead of Sunday's clash against Valencia. Rubén Baraja's team has yet to win and the Rojiblancos make their Champions League debut next week.
This morning, the Colchoneros completed their penultimate training session with some changes in Simeone's system. At Atlético de Madrid, they want to avoid repeating the setback suffered against the Spanish team, another team that was not in good form at the Metropolitano . In addition, the little rest that there will be during this month forces the Argentine coach to have to make changes continuously.
Rodrigo de Paul wins the race
South American internationals usually rest the following day after playing during the international break, as they arrive later. However, according to this morning's test, Rodrigo de Paul could start in the centre of the field and sit Riquelme. The youth-team player had entered Simeone 's training sessions as a left-back, moving into Samuel Lino 's position.
However, the Brazilian would return to the lane and Rodrigo de Paul would be in the engine room alongside Koke and Conor Gallagher . It should be remembered that Pablo Barrios will be out due to injury in the next matches, staying for several weeks in the infirmary. The Argentine midfielder has once again shown a good level with the Albiceleste in the commitments against Chile and Colombia , something that is already normal.
However, Atlético de Madrid are still waiting to see that good form on a regular basis from Rodrigo de Paul . In fact, many consider this season to be the definitive one for the world champions, with plenty of competition in the midfield. If he does not get the expected stripes, everything points to the player ending up leaving the red-and-white team next summer.
A dilemma with Riquelme
The Atletico youth player faces a very difficult season, once again being a regular substitute and having many competitors in the squad. The match against Valencia seemed like a great opportunity for Riquelme to start as a starter and show his best level. The team managed by Rubén Baraja has not yet tasted victory and remains at the bottom of the league championship with one point.
It was therefore set to be a game where the less usual players would have the chance to shine in front of Simeone . There is still one training session ahead, just before the press conference, but Riquelme is again in doubt. The Spaniard will have to make the most of his opportunities if he wants to gain prominence in a season with many games .