Simeone has plenty of options in the center of the field

The coronavirus and muscle injuries (and the punishment of Trippier) left Atlético depleted for many weeks, but it's already breathing because sees the empty infirmary. Although Carrasco is sanctioned for Pizjuán, there are five warned and Dembélé gave the scare last week, Simeone has 22 fit and reflects on the eleven type and, despite the system changes, it can almost be said that he has plenty of midfielders.

The last to return to the group was Héctor Herrera, that in December he suffered a muscle injury that left him out for a month and a half and in February he contracted the coronavirus. When he returned, he had to travel to Mexico for a family matter and returned to play against Alavés. That afternoon, Cholo had on the bench to the Aztec along with Torreira, Kondogbia and Saúl. In the countryside, Koke as sole pivot with Lemar and Llorente as interiors on the next step.

Thus, Simeone meets a accumulation of players with a similar role in the game, although different qualities. When the template was configured, Llorente's mutation, who happened to count as an attacker and not as a midfielder, and goodbye thomas seemed to leave the area depopulated, only with Koke, Saúl and Herrera. Then, in addition, in the 4-4-2 they played minimum two of the half centers, sometimes three (one fallen to a band) and even four at specific moments. The club immediately brought ceded to Torreira, as soon as Thomas's departure was known. A few weeks later, taking advantage of the extra period, signed Kondogbia. The problem seemed solved, at least in terms of quantity.

But the weeks passed, Simeone was doing parts and schematic testsSome players grew, others fell, injuries arrived … In the December derby, Saúl went to the bench and Herrera, who took his place, was injured. What came next was that Koke, Lemar and Llorente kept the plot. They are the starting average, although the casualties have forced Cholo to break it from time to time.

For what is coming it seems that it will be the norm although each game will be different. For example, Carrasco will not be in Seville and that can send Lemar the band, or maybe it's a opportunity for Saul, in whom the Cholo continues to trust. And there is the mentioned Herrera, who in 2021 has played only 22 minutes, but the coach likes the way he makes the ball run and remembers that Very good matches were played with the Mexican in October and November, when the team took off. And they are waiting Kondogbia and Torreira, without minutes in the last three games, but of whom Simeone does not forget and gives moments frequently. The coach has to choose, but now more than ever, playing is going to be very expensive for the rojiblancos midfielders …

Simeone's options for the medium

• Koke (2,882 minutes): the third footballer with the most minutes. Unquestionable, now his most frequent position is as single center half. He is the one that moves the team, although you have moved away from the area of ​​greatest danger. He performs alone, although he has also thanked a teammate who allows him to let go, as with the National Team with Rodrigo / Busquets.
• Llorente (2,829 '): the big reveal of the last year and one of the most decisive and versatile footballers Of the template. He started out being one more striker, but Simeone ended up giving him lace like inside right, but allowing him to go on the attack and have Trippier get him closer to the baseline. But he has also played on the right wing, even as a winger, and in the double pivot.
• Saúl (1993 '): essential in the first section and substitute in the second third of the competition. Simeone continues to trust In it, proof of this is that he gave him 90 minutes to look for the comeback at Chelsea's home, but he is not the eleven type right now. Its versatility also plays in its favor. Your future is up in the air.
• Lemar (1,451 '): the reverse path of Saul. In November he had an opportunity and he took advantage of it until he became one of the essentials of the team. Only the coronavirus stopped him. His performance has returned him to the National Team.
• Herrera (679 '): many minutes in October, November and December with good performance. Then the injuries and the coronavirus have removed him from the team. Since he was injured on December 12, he has only been able to play 22 minutes. Lemar's progression complicates him, but Cholo highly values ​​his virtues.
• Torreira (629 '): It has not finished breaking or taking over the site. It has only been start three times in the League and the two in the Cup. In total, he has participated in 22 games and has always been available except when he fell ill with coronavirus in the November break. Simeone usually pulls him to prop up the middle of the field with a marker in favor.
• Kondogbia (593 '): a case similar to that of the Uruguayan: three titles in the League and two in the Cup. In the rest of his appearances, except for one that entered after the break, he did so in the last half hour. He has the most defensive profile of his teammates. It is with your selection.