Decide the bench

Atlético de Madrid is playing it against SD Éibar. Simeone's men have gone from adding 50 points out of 57 possible in the first 19 games to 17 of 33 in the last eleven. The reflection of this fall is noticeable in a minor bench: Lodi, Saúl, Vrsaljko, Felipe, Kondogbia, Torreira, Vitolo and Dembélé do not end up being shocking. But it is true that when they come out from the beginning, things get more expensive.

Vrsaljko, Lodi and Saúl point to the starting eleven. An opportunity of great importance for the three who must step forward. Of course, Simeone is giving more than ever maximum confidence to a solid block, where there have not been large rotations. This factor has hurt a bench characterized by having few opportunities.

Vrsaljko, a stone path

His beginnings in the mattress box were not easy in 2016 where he only played 11 games as a starter. In addition, he did not debut until the fourth day and then did not appear again until day 13. His knee injuries did not let him shine either. His experience in Italy in 2018-19 allowed his performance to increase to successfully return to the mattress box. This season is on a roller coaster of emotions. Nine league games and none lost make him a talisman.

Lodi, facing a difficult season

It is not his year yet. The previous season started regular and ended as indisputable. However, in the current campaign it has not just come to fruition. Lodi has played 15 league games, eight in the Champions League and two in the Copa del Rey. 25 matches divided into 1,306 minutes of official competition and two assists. We must not forget that he has lost prominence in the team due to the system of three centrals and two lanes..

Saúl, before another record

The midfielder can make more history still with him Atlético de Madrid. The youth squad is at a single party from match Raúl García as the 20th player with the most meetings at the club. The youth squad already adds 329 official matches divided into League (219), Cup (29), Europe (77) and Spanish Super Cup (4). He is facing his seventh season with five titles and endless milestones. The player knows that he is far from his best level, although he is the first to try to claim.