Rodrigo Riquelme (Madrid, 2000) has entered the Under-21 list for the first time thanks to his great performance at Mirandés, where he plays on loan from Atlético. The player assisted AS in the concentration of La Rojita and proved to be very clear about his goals.
Was the call from De la Fuente expected?
One always hopes to come, because in the end this is a reward for good work, but the truth is that I did not expect it and I am very happy.
Your last great month has coincided with the arrival of Etxebarría at Mirandés, has it influenced your way of playing?
It gives me details to perfect my game. He was also extreme, one of the best. We interpret and read football in much the same way.
Do you have any other reference in that position?
The truth is that I like more those who play on a changed band, Neymar style. As a winger, I was very surprised by how Marcos Llorente did it when Cholo put him in that position. He knows how to exploit space and his speed very well.
What has changed since you made your debut with the first team in 2019?
What a pity that that first play in which I participated did not end in a goal! (laughs). I have matured a lot since then. I am learning to manage the small details that make the difference of being at the top or not. Being at Mirandés is helping me a lot. In addition, the experience in England was very good on a personal level: I got out of my comfort zone and it made me stronger mentally.
And in sports, what did you learn?
There the level of intensity is very high. You also play every three days almost all year. Here in Spain there is more talent, even in Second.
Do you see yourself convincing Cholo to stay at Atleti?
It is the goal. I have always been clear that I want to succeed at Atlético. It is very difficult because there are world-class players, but if I have the opportunity to be in the preseason, I want to show that I am ready.
Why did you choose to go on loan to Mirandés?
I needed a club where they gave me my time. I thought that in Miranda they were going to give me the opportunity to play my game, with patience, and it is clear that it was the right decision.
There he coincides with another youth squad from Atleti, Camello.
Yes, we are very good friends. Outside and inside the field. That shows when we play together.
According to Artificial Intelligence, you are one of the ten Second Division players who creates the most danger when driving, do you feel that way?
I had no idea. She is one of my virtues and my coach tells me to be aggressive in driving. He glad to know the data.
What advice would you give to other Atleti youth players like Serrano?
Enjoy. When I was in his situation I enjoyed it to the fullest and tried to be a sponge. Learn from what they tell you.
How do you see Atleti?
– I am amused by the people who criticize him. In the end he always comes back. Against City, I don’t doubt it, I bet on Atleti.