Lodi went on hiatus with the rush of the great tie against Liverpool and in the resumption, after the scare of having tested positive for coronavirus, it has been confirmed as one of the most important footballers for Atlético. In that Champions League match, he shone in attack and knew how to succeed in defense against Salah, Alexander-Arnold and company. Now it's a football generator for his band and in defense is a more solid player. That is why Simeone trusts him more and more, takes care of him and knows that he has to give him rest to dose it. It is essential, especially thinking about the Champions League and how it grows in big events.
After your good performance at the Camp Nou, where Messi had to be measured, Cholo decided to give him a truce against Mallorca. Lodi, 22, is physically well, he finishes the games with force and reaching the rival area, but the plan is not to tire him. But, just like in the other lane Trippier and Arias take turns, on the left there is no natural alternative in the first team. In autumn and winter, it was Saul who had to finish many games like ‘3’. A patch, as they were Beautiful and Arias.
Now, Simeone's plan has changed. Lodi is more convincing and, consequently, more indisputable. And to give it air it has found in Manu Sánchez, the side of the B, a reliable player. The youth squad was a starter against Valladolid and also against Mallorca, although the latter did not finish it. Enough to give Lodi a break while also performing well.
Injuries are not punishing Atlético too much in this section, which is allowing Simeone to do massive rotations between one game and another. Cholo has solutions to supply most footballers and now also to give Lodi rest. In the League he will have some more respite, before the next break, before the Champions League. By then, Atleti will need the best Lodi, a footballer with an upward trajectory in his first year.