Reinildo, the specialist

reinildo arrived at Atlético on the last day of the January market and It has not taken long to make a place in eleven. The Mozambican was presented as an efficient full-back in defense and less brilliant in attack and Simeone, after the first training session, decided to give it gallons. Everything indicates that he will start against Manchester United. It is his debut in the Champions League as a rojiblanco, well played the first phase with Lille and shone like the defensive specialist that he is.

The Mozambican participated in all six games, five of them complete and another entering from the bench in the final stretch. In the 456′ that he played he became the second footballer who recovered the most balls in the first phase of the Champions League: 49. He was only surpassed by Fernando, from Sevilla, who stole 51, although he did it in 540 minutes. Reinildo has been one of the most reliable defenders in the competition. In attack, yes, he did not contribute with goals, shots or assists.

From Lille he jumped to Atlético and trained for the first time under Cholo on February 1. Sunday 6 debuted at the Camp Nou, entering the second half by Hermoso. And then he has been a starter in the last three games (Getafe, Levante and Osasuna). Against Levante he was not fine in the 0-1 play, but in the three games he has left good defensive actions. In attack he has been less successful, although always with a pass accuracy of over 80%.

Installed in the eleven as lateral… or central

Simeone he has used him as a left back in the 4-4-2although in El Sadar the team formed for many minutes with five back and Reinildo played left central. Perhaps that is his mission against United, but instead of with Carrasco helping him, with Lodi or maybe with Lemar if he arrives on time. Atleti strives to close the bleeding of conceded goals. Against Osasuna it was achieved and that is why he celebrated almost as much the clean sheet as the victory. Against United, Reinildo will be one of the rojiblancas tricks to stop Cristiano and company.