This international break has caused the significant loss of Pablo Barrios for Atlético de Madrid. Both because of his name and the position he plays, it is a hard blow for Atlético de Madrid. Currently, the red-and-white team has four players for a position that normally has two or three players.
With Barrios out, it's time to see Conor Gallagher, Koke and Rodrigo De Paul in action, who must get up to the level required by Atlético de Madrid. In this sense and with the transfer market closed, Thomas Lemar could be part of the team and be another asset for Simeone, however he has not been included in any squad yet.
However, there is a surprise guest who could take over at this time and he is a youth player who has already been tested by Simeone in pre-season. The chosen one in this position could be none other than Javi Serrano.
Possible starting position against Valencia
In the team's last training sessions, Simeone has tried a 3-4-3 with Javi Serrano forming a double pivot with Koke. This lineup would be used in attack, while in defence Cholo's men would protect themselves with a 5-3-2 with Samu Lino dropping back to help in the middle.
Another shocking change that could be seen in the team would be in the Atlético defence, where Robin Le Normand could be rested in favour of the new arrival from FC Barcelona, Clément Lenglet . This change would be joined by Ángel Correa for Alexander Sørloth , not only as a reward for the last game but also because he did not travel with Argentina, so he has rested more.
Curiously, on January 22, 2022 , Javi Serrano made his debut against the same team that he could play for the next matchday: Valencia. That match ended in victory for the colchoneros after losing 0-2. A comeback that would be consummated with Mario Hermoso's goal in the 93rd minute, after which Javi Serrano would enter in the 99th minute.
Consistency at Atletico Madrid
His loan spell last year at Sturm Graz was not very fruitful for either party. He only played 5 games for the Austrian team and in all of them he did not manage to add up a single match: 8.5 minutes in total . This was the third loan in three years for the Madrid midfielder, who is looking for more stability at the club of his life.
Pablo Barrios made his debut in Cádiz in a turbulent situation for the first team and with needs in the midfield position. Now, things are a little calmer, but the needs in the middle remain, so perhaps it is time for the youth player. Any footballer needs consistency to play at his best and this year he can combine this between appearances with the first and second team.
Opportunities will eventually come to him if he continues to work as he has up to now and there is no position in the team that needs more than the midfielders. Now the ball is in Simeone's court , who will be the one to decide whether to give him the opportunity, as he did at the time with the currently injured Pablo Barrios.