A soccer player wearing the Argentine national team jersey and a red background.

Rodrigo De Paul, singled out in the Atlético dressing room: 'It was the one who...'

Rodrigo De Paul has been one of the architects of Atlético de Madrid's signing of the season, and Cholo knows it.

Atlético de Madrid has surprised the market with the arrival of Julián Álvarez, one of the great promises of Argentine football. However, behind this important operation, there is a player who has been key in its realization: Rodrigo de Paul.

Rodrigo de Paul, a midfielder and mainstay of the Argentina team that won the Copa América and the World Cup, has played a decisive role in the signing of Julián Álvarez to Atlético. The close relationship between De Paul and Álvarez, forged during their time together at the Albiceleste, has been fundamental in making this signing a reality.

Image of Rodrigo de Paul on the Metropolitan bench
Rodrigo De Paul has undoubtedly been the shadow architect of this signing. | Europa Press

Rodrigo de Paul, a key player in the signing of Julian Alvarez

During their training sessions with the Argentine national team, both De Paul and Giuliano Simeone, son of Cholo, began to talk to Julián Álvarez about the benefits of joining Atlético de Madrid. De Paul took the opportunity to highlight the advantages of playing under Simeone, convincing the “Spider” that Atlético was the ideal place to grow.

De Paul's first year at Atlético established him not only as a key player on the pitch, but also as a leader in the dressing room. His leadership was evident when he took an active role in securing the signing of Julián Álvarez. His closeness to the striker was crucial in Álvarez being open to the possibility of moving to Madrid and joining the red-and-white project.

The transfer of Julian Alvarez to Atletico also means a reunion with other Argentine players in the team, such as Angel Correa and Nahuel Molina. This “Argentine colony”, with De Paul as a reference, promises an ideal environment for Alvarez to display his best football from day one.

Two players from the Argentine soccer team hug each other celebrating a goal in a stadium.
Rodri De Paul helped Julian Alvarez make his decision | Instagram

From a tactical point of view, the signing of Julián Álvarez represents a success for Atlético de Madrid. The forward brings versatility and goalscoring ability, qualities that fit perfectly into the team's formation. De Paul quickly welcomed him on social media, showing his enthusiasm for sharing a team with his international teammate again.

With this addition, Atlético strengthens its attack and reinforces an Argentine core that is vital to achieving its objectives next season. De Paul has been the shadow architect of this signing, and fans are already dreaming of what these players can achieve together at the Metropolitano.