One of the great reinforcements of Atlético after the tie against Liverpool is Simeone. In a difficult season, “transitional” as transmitted from the club and where the results in the League are below expectations, eliminating the champion and favorite is a huge dose of morale.
Atleti proved that remains a competitive animal and a very tough opponent to crack who gets up with every blow, very cool. The mister, in addition, has thrown of the classics (his favorite 4-4-2), but giving unexpected touches. Those aces up your sleeve that Cholo has surprised from time to time.
Lemar (and Vrsaljko), starter against Liverpool
While the fans did their tricks in the Atlético-Liverpool preview and it was assessed whether the 0-0 would be good, the news broke: Lemar was going to be the starter. Not Llorente, not Vitolo, not Costa … Simeone chose the Frenchman, who had played two minutes in the previous two games and, in general, has not performed according to expectations. But Cholo explained it: “There was a game that nobody expected and it was with Lemar. I do because I trust him and his characteristics. Is different. Between Correa, Morata, Lemar and Lodi we could generate on the left with some precision ”. He was substituted at the break with a muscle injury, but he more than met, sacrificing himself on defense with Lodi. In eleven there was another surprise: Vrsaljko, that he surpassed Arias in the preferences of Cholo and resisted Liverpool's attacks by his band, very sure also in the air balls.
Giménez, midfielder
It was in 2016-17, when Simeone often boasted of having four first-level centrals (Godín, Savic, Giménez and Lucas), while he regretted not being able to give them all the minutes they deserved. With Godín and Savic well established, after Christmas he began to try Giménez's plan ahead of the rear to shore up. He used it in January, in an Eibar-Atlético, and in some time more, in second parts in which it was time to reinforce the defensive block. And the visit to Leicester, quarterfinals of the Champions League, with a 1-0 in the Calderón of the first leg. Simeone shielded the middle with Giménez and Gabi and the Uruguayan was one of the best, if not the best, of the match (1-1 and to the semifinals).
Cani, winter signing against Leverkusen
Perhaps Simeone's biggest surprise, above that of Lemar. Cani arrived at Atlético in the market in January 2015, on loan from Villarreal. As well, his first (and only) starting game was against Leverkusen, round of 16 of the Champions League. Quite a blast. Atletico had to overcome the 1-0 of Germany and opted for the Aragonese before Raúl García and Gabi. He was substituted at the break, although for statistics it will remain that assisted Mario's goal, the 1-0 that did well in the penalty shootout.
Raúl Jiménez, striker at the Bernabéu
For 2014-15, Atlético de Simeone had to remodel the attack. Villa and Diego Costa had left and Mandzukic and Griezmann arrived, but also Raúl Jiménez, 23-year-old Mexican forward then. With the first two, Atleti won the Super Cup against Madrid. But on September 13, for the league derby at the Bernabéu, Cholo surprised with the Aztec in eleven with Mandzukic. Griezmann and Arda remained on the bench, reserved for the second half. Atlético took that match …
Adrian, starter and historic goal in London
Very important with Falcao in 11-12, the first course of Simeone, in the 13-14 Adrián had already lost some prominence at Atlético. But in the spring, Cholo pulled on his ability for the Champions League. First in quarters, for Atlético-Barça. After not entering six of the previous seven calls and unmarked since November, Simeone announced it in the previous one: “If Costa does not arrive (touched), Adrián will play; and he will score a goal ”. He played and, although he did not see a door, he left. And the semifinals came, 0-0 at the Calderón and visit to Mourinho's Chelsea. And Simeone, this time without warning and with his two rams ready, he surprised again with Adrián. Villa waited on the bench. And Adrián put the first stone of the comeback marking the 1-1 just before the break. The order came out perfect.