All games count, and more for Simeone. The Argentine coach indicated before facing the Copa del Rey against Cardassar that “footballers need to play to show what they are worth on the field and when certain footballers are given more minutes, others are waiting for them. Each one will take advantage of them in the best way “. El Cholo placed the first Diego Costa he led as the best example that performance in these matches, whatever the rival, has a prize.
And that's how his double pivot took it. Kondogbia and Torreira faced the match with maximum competitiveness, They left good feelings and showed a bid to have more minutes with Simeone's ideal team. The technician advocates internal competitiveness, having to rack your brains to make your headline schemes for the good level of its players. And the two midfielders want to make it difficult for them.
Kondogbia had his first start as a rojiblanco after arriving at Atlético in early November and served as the team's anchor from the pivot. Until now he had only played 93 minutes, a figure he reached in the Cup. The international footballer for the Central African Republic joined Felipe and Hermoso behind to free Ricard and Lodi on the sides and Torreira and Saúl in front. A very useful variant for Simeone when not using the three-center line, since it has in Kondogbia a seat belt. The purest pivot of the squad, trained to steal and cover a lot of field and that stands out for his good ball output, without risking his passes but breaking lines when possible. Further, possesses a powerful distant shot who tried several times against the Cardassar repelled by the defenders.
For Torreira there are no parties that are worth less than others. The Uruguayan faces each match as a final and Against the Mallorcan team it was pure intensity despite the fact that there were Third Division footballers in front. Strength to steal, to chase whoever it takes, but also to generate football. With Kondogbia behind he was free to deploy in attack and roam the rival area more. Further, put a splendid ball to uncheck Vrsaljko's space that he masterfully defined in the third goal.
Simeone declared at the end of the match against Cardassar that “I really liked both of them. They occupied the width of the field, they worked very well in circulation, Kondogbia tried the shot, Lucas had very good passes and it is a very good performance for both of us, which helps us and we need everyone. “A step forward from two footballers who They could end up being very important this season at Atlético. With Saúl on a level far from ideal and Herrera injured, Cholo has two guarantee resources to accompany Koke in the center of the field. Any minute matters and Kondogbia and Torreira have given their coach quality in their appearances to be able to count on more and more opportunities.