Image of Simeone with Atlético de Madrid

Simeone maintains faith in his countryman: A warning for Marcos Llorente

The Argentine coach continues to place trust in one of his personal bets

This season may be pivotal for some Atlético de Madrid players, who need to advance their perfomance. Among them is Nahuel Molina, who has faced substancial criticism in the red-and-white team for over a year. Currently, the Argentine player is a regular substitute in Simeone's plans, a status that appears challenging to alter in the immediate future. 

On Thursday morning, Nahuel Molina showed his great form once again, making the most of the international break by starting in the match against Chile . Scaloni opted to place the red-and-white in the wing-back position, in a formation that is already common at Atlético de Madrid . The player needs to regain confidence with the colchonero team, although he has more competition than ever.

Nahuel Molina wants to meet again

The Argentina national team is playing two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup during this September break. For the moment, Scaloni continues to count on Nahuel Molina , who was a starter in the resounding victory against Chile . The rojiblanco full-back once again showed a good level after not taking advantage of his starting position in the draw against Espanyol at the Metropolitano .

Image of Nahuel Molina with Atlético de Madrid
Nahuel Molina needs to find his best version | Europa Press

For the moment, Simeone is betting on Marcos Llorente as the starting wing-back, being one of the best players in the squad. The Spaniard has already scored two goals and provided an assist from that position, far surpassing the Argentine. Even so, in a campaign that will feature more games than usual, the Colchoneros hope that Nahuel Molina can be fit again.

The former Udinese player is clearly going through a bad time at the red-and-white team, being one of the most criticised players. Since the second half of the 2022-23 season, Nahuel Molina has not been able to show his best version on the pitch. Therefore, this season aims to be definitive for the full-back, needing to prove that he deserves another chance.

Competition with Marcos Llorente

One of the aspects that Simeone has highlighted at the start of the season is the good level that the Spanish footballer has shown. Marcos Llorente is increasingly adapting to the position of wing-back, although he has always preferred to play further forward. Now, he is considered one of the most in-form players in all of Spanish football for level and numbers.

The midfield is also more competitive than in previous years, something that does not benefit Marcos Llorente . As a result, the player seems to have accepted his role as a right-back, relegating Nahuel Molina to the bench. The Argentine will have a very difficult time overtaking the Spaniard, but Simeone will give him another chance when he returns from this break.