De Paul does it again

Rodrigo de Paul lives in a state of permanent happiness every time he puts on the albiceleste. The midfielder cannot erase a smile in any international breakwhere he is a fundamental piece for the great moment of Argentina, which extends his streak to 32 consecutive games without knowing defeat.

And with De Paul in midfield, Scaloni’s men lifted the Finalissima after thrashing Italy with an overwhelming superioritya blow on the table that increases Argentine expectations for the World Cup. With Guido Rodríguez as bodyguard in the pivot (the Betis player has been related to Atlético), De Paul was once again the engine of the engine room of the albiceleste, occupying the field, stealing, stopping the game when necessary and looking for Messi in each construction of the play, where he always appears as an alternative to clarify the game.

The 28-year-old midfielder has not had an easy first year at Atlético, but He has finished the season in his peak form and being decisive in front of goal, with two goals in the last three duels. From less to more, the initial expectations were very high after their spectacular Copa América. And Cholo’s objective is to find that level with the selection also of rojiblanco. A De Paul who grows in each encounter with Argentina, inspired with the ball, intense and in his sauce.

What is certain is that De Paul has carved out a hole for himself in Simeone’s schemes, although he has been alternating his presence in the eleven with moments where he had to wait from the bench. The midfielder participated in 48 of Atlético’s 51 games this season, a figure only surpassed by Oblak (51) and his compatriot Correa (49)., also champion of the Finalissima, although without participating in the duel against Italy. Probably what De Paul has lacked the most has been to maintain continuity in his game, even within the same games where he alternated great actions with inaccuracies. Nevertheless, the data endorse its importance in the mattress tactical systemespecially at the end of the course.

According to Olocip data, De Paul has finished LaLiga as Atlético’s fittest player. He is the rojiblanco footballer with more value in offensive ground duels, through passes, set pieces, set pieces, successful set pieces, total passes, game construction, successful passes and game construction. He is also second in offensive duels with no change of possession, pre-assist passes and forward passes. De Paul will leave happy on vacation, with a new international title under his belt and at Atlético it is considered that, after a year in which he has needed an adaptation, it can be very important next season. Clubs like Roma have shown interest in getting their services. What is certain is that De Paul is happy and key every time he puts on the Argentina shirt.