Atlético would not be understood without Saúl Ñíguez. Despite playing in the double pivot, the three goals from '8' in the last two games They have already placed him on the podium of top scorers in the squad, although his role goes much further. The midfielder is essential for Simeone when it comes to leading the mattress pressure, in addition to generating constant aid to his teammates, mainly Lodi, and he has established himself, along with Koke, as the Cholo commanders on the pitch.
At the Camp Nou, Saúl showed his character for catch a burning ball, after Diego Costa had crashed with Ter Stegen on his penalty shot, and he was ready to shoot again from eleven meters, since the referee had ordered to repeat it for an overtaking of the German goal. The midfielder did not fail, that in the second half he was again in charge of launching another penalty caused by Carrasco and converting it for the rojiblanco draw against Barcelona.
A week before, he had also seen the door, against Alavés with a header from the house that is one of his great specialties. In total Saúl has accumulated seven goals so far this season, only surpassed by Morata's 13 and João Félix's eight. With his last goals he has equaled Correa despite the fact that this season he has been completely settled in the midfielder, sometimes as a pivot. Although Saúl has also had to play left back at specific moments, lately he has been able to forget about the defense, since Manu Sánchez has established himself as the main alternative to Lodi.
Saúl plays further from the area, partly losing its characteristic and productive arrival, but entering more in game and gaining importance in the pressure and recovery. It has established itself as Thomas's partner in the middle, occupying less of the bands. Since his establishment in the first team, with Gabi next to Tiago or Mario Suárez in the double pivot, It was common to see Saúl start the games lying on his sides. But with Rodrigo's departure last summer and Llorente overtaking the lead, the '8' has remained a reference in the middle. At 25 he has already played 291 official matches with Atlético (41 goals) and this season totals 3,864 minutes, the most of the team after Oblak.
With his seven goals he is already at his usual numbers (his record is nine goals in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons) and he still has games to improve it. A lung for Simeone who every time you see door is synonymous with points, since according to the data offered by Míster Chip, Atlético, Atleti B and the Selección has never lost if Saúl has scored (40 games with the Atletico first team with 34 wins and six draws).