Atlético de Madrid 's season has started with a bittersweet taste in the mouth for all fans and the squad. Draws against Villarreal and Espanyol (the latter at the Metropolitano ) and victories against Girona and Athletic Club (at San Mamés ) leave an unexpected balance after an exciting summer. However, the team needs time to return to its best performance, although the competition will not forgive any slip-ups.
In this sense, Samuel Lino , who has played in each of the four games that Atlético de Madrid has played in LaLiga , has not yet been able to participate in any goals. Something surprising, since last season he was the footballer who, without being a forward, scored the most goals for the red-and-white squad (8), as well as being the top assist provider along with Griezmann (8). And all this while playing in a more advanced position, as Diego Pablo Simeone asked him during the preseason, and where he now demands more participation from him.
The attacking midfielder, his "other" position
Although his best numbers for Atlético came as a left-back, Cholo is using Samuel Lin or as an attacking midfielder. Something that, a priori, should bring him even closer to the opposing area and, therefore, increase his danger to the opponent. However, the Brazilian's start to the season is not going as expected, as he has not yet participated in any of the six goals that Atlético de Madrid have scored.
And he has had opportunities, as against Villarreal in the first matchday, and against RCD Espanyol in the third, Samuel Lino was very close to scoring. However, Diego Pablo Simeone has on more than one occasion returned the Brazilian to the left wing during the second half of some matches, showing some doubts about his contributions. A position where last season, with his overflow and his daring, he caused many problems for the rival defences and which very few managed to stop.
Reinildo and Riquelme, their skills
Both the Mozambican and the Spaniard are Samuel Lino 's main rivals in both positions. Three players whose versatility allows them to play in different positions and, therefore, compete for a place in several places. However, it is Rodrigo Riquelme who, like last season, will give the Brazilian more work, as he can play both as a extrem and as an attacking midfielder.
Reinildo 's case is somewhat more limited, as he can usually play as a wing-back, but Diego Pablo Simeone has made several moves with both players. Whatever the case, what seems clear is that Cholo is asking much more of Samuel Lino , who has yet to find himself in a midfield full of great players. To do so, he will have to increase his danger in the opponent's area and create great opportunities that remind us of the player who captivated the Metropolitano last season.