Koke takes possession of the ball

For Simeone there are many key players, but some are something more, so important that they practically do not rest. One of them is Koke, fixed in the center of the field, although his teammates and his position in the field vary. The captain has alternated notable performances with other more gray ones, and in Cádiz he gave a lesson in how a game is governed, especially in the second half. When Koke caught the ball, his team enjoyed it and the goals came.

In the Mirandilla, Koke reached the record of good passes so far in the league, 112, matched with Kroos (against Osasuna) and Eric Garcia (against Levante). The 6 moved as usual offering an easy pass to all his teammates, although he played more down to the right wing, combining with Llorente, a winger with an attack mentality, and Lemar, who was getting inside from that band. Atlético found outlets through that triangle on many occasions: Koke commanded, Llorente came to positions many times to make dangerous centers (such as the 0-2 assistance) and Lemar liked it released from certain defensive responsibilities.

Lemar, Llorente and a new partner, De Paul

Koke shone as a midfielder alongside Lemar and Llorente last season, in a position that did not seem his, since he had always played under guard, as for example in the National Team, with Busquets or Rodrigo. His goals and assists figures with Atleti suffered, but his weight in the champion team was much greater. Now has a new partner, De Paul, that helps you with homework. But the most indisputable of all is Koke.

Against Mallorca, Simeone plans certain rotations to give a break before the ‘final’ in Porto. But among the unknowns is not Koke. The captain points to the eleven, with De Paul and with Herrera or Kondogbia. It seems that Lemar will rest and that Llorente, again, will have to occupy the right side. At 14 he is not enthusiastic, but Koke will be there to help him, as he does with all his companions. Simeone is counting on him to the fullest for what lies ahead …