The unexpected draw against Espanyol has served as a positive for Atlético de Madrid. One of the players who received the most praise after the final whistle was Rodrigo Riquelme, who was named the best player of the match. The Atlético youth player came very close to giving his team the win in the second half, but both of his goals were ruled out for offside.
However, there was one detail during the match that was highly praised by all the fans in the stands at the Metropolitano . As usual, in one of the corners of the Fondo Sur there was the traditional bouquet offered by Margarita . Many of the footballers who have had to take a corner kick from that same position have been forced to treat this offering with the respect it deserves.
Rodrigo Riquelme wins over the fans
Usually, all those players who come through the lower categories of Atlético de Madrid have a special place. Rodrigo Riquelme is a perfect case , as he has always publicly shown his desire to succeed as a red-and-white . Last season he had his first opportunity in the first team, although he had already made his official debut a few years ago.
All the gestures that the Spanish midfielder has always shown have been aimed at showing his gratitude to the club. On Wednesday, in addition to being named the best player of the match, he had a gesture that was greatly applauded by the stands. Rodrigo Riquelme treated Margarita 's bouquet with the respect it deserves just before taking a corner kick.
There are many players who have been through the same corner and have not treated the offering with respect . On the other hand, Rodrigo Riquelme also left a very clear message in the press room for this campaign. For the moment, Simeone continues to bet on adapting the player to the left flank while Samuel Lino has three consecutive games in a more advanced position.
Disposition towards Simeone
Rodrigo Riquelme has made it very clear that he is willing to help Atlético de Madrid from wherever he is needed. Obviously, he feels much more comfortable when he is positioned close to the opposition goal, but he is increasingly adapting to the wing. He has already made two consecutive starts in the league championship in that position, with Samuel Lino being the one who has been displaced .
Right now, the Brazilian footballer starts as an attacking midfielder, while Rodrigo Riquelme is more attached to the left wing. It won't be his ideal position, but it's clear that the youth team player is doing everything possible to give his best in that position. Simeone is delighted with his performance and it cannot be ruled out that he will continue to have many minutes in the next matches.