Atlético de Madrid have started the season with some surprises in their line-up, and one of the players who has stood out the most so far is Pablo Barrios. The young midfielder has earned Diego Simeone's trust, consolidating himself as a key piece in the Argentine coach's scheme.
However, an unexpected piece of news could change the dynamics of the Atleti midfield: Koke, one of the team's main players and Barrios' main partner, will rotate much more this season. Everything points to the fact that the Atleti captain, who has been undisputed for years, will lose prominence due to the growing internal competition.
The rise in level in the midfield
At Atlético Madrid, competition for a midfield spot is fierce. Simeone has worked tirelessly to strengthen that area of the team, and this season he has raised the bar even higher. With the arrival of new signings and the resurgence of players looking to earn a place, rotation will be inevitable. Koke, who has been the heart and engine of the midfield for more than a decade, will see his role change, ceding minutes to younger teammates such as Pablo Barrios.
The captain has been fundamental to the team in previous seasons, providing control, experience and leadership on the pitch. However, this season Simeone has made it clear that rotation will be key to keeping all players fresh and competitive, something that directly affects Koke.
Pablo Barrios, the new protagonist
One of the big beneficiaries of this change is Pablo Barrios. The young midfielder has taken advantage of the opportunities that Simeone has given him, showing quality, character and a maturity unusual for his age. At 20 years old, Barrios has been the player who has accumulated the most minutes in the Atletico midfield so far this season, something that few expected.
Barrios has shown an excellent ability to adapt to different roles within Cholo's system. This has earned him the trust of the Argentine coach and allowed him to share the spotlight with more experienced players. However, the possible rotation of Koke means that Barrios could lose one of his best partners in the centre of the field.
Koke's rotation: goodbye to the ideal partner?
The footballing relationship between Koke and Pablo Barrios has been very fluid from the beginning. Koke, with his vision and experience, has been the ideal partner for Barrios to develop his game in midfield. Together, they have managed to balance the team's defence and attack, being a key combination for Atlético's good performance.
However, with Simeone's decision to rotate Koke more frequently, the young Barrios will have to adapt to new teammates in midfield. The rise in level of players such as Rodrigo De Paul, Marcos Llorente and the arrival of Gallagher has increased the competition.