Simeone has always defended the value of “quality minutes” and that the contribution of the players entering from the bench is just as important as that of the starters. You do not have to go very far in time: the three goals at Anfield were scored by substitutes (Llorente – two – and Morata). For the new section of competition, reservations will be even more relevant. With five substitutions, Cholo will be able to vary the matches more forcefully with footballers who are almost specialists in it.
At Atlético, the great agitator of recent years has been Correa, but so far this season he has won consolidate in the eleven, either in attack or on the right. However, with everyone healthy and with the frenetic pace of two games a week, Simeone will save Angelito's letter more than once for the second half. But in 2019-20 the role of revulsive has been earned by other wards.
The footballers who have entered the bench the most times this season are Vitolo (16), Marcos Llorente (15) and Lemar (13). In all three cases, they have been more substitutes than holders. Like the last to arrive Carrasco (one game as a starter and four from the bench), which also seems to be an ace up the sleeve for the final stages.
It is not a small thing. Atlético have achieved 9 of their 45 points thanks to the goals of players who entered from the bench. For example, Vitolo has scored his two goals as a substitute (Leganés and Eibar), and without those goals they would not have won those matches.
João Félix, Correa, Lodi, Vitolo …
From the other point of view, João Félix has been changed in 17 matches (out of 24), Correa in 13, Lodi in 11, Vitolo in 10 (out of 12), Lemar in as many (out of 11)… Going from 3 to 5 changes, Simeone will be able to touch up all his lines in each game: refresh the bands, give Morata a while and Costa another, prop up the midfield or make it very offensive … Multiple variants with the 23 footballers that Cholo has at his disposal.