The eclipse of Vitolo

Vitolo has disappeared from Simeone's plans. Not the eleven, because there the competition is very high, but it is not even a soda solution. Neither the long list of rojiblancas casualties has served him to have minutes. And so the canary has linked ten league games in which he has remained on the bench without playing. Since December 5, he has only participated in the Cup.

The match against Celta was the most palpable proof that Cholo's trust in him has been broken. COVID forced a call with the right and the coach chose to make only one change. He looked at the bench and only gave entry to Torreira. Vitolo warmed up, but again he was left without playing, despite the loss of the rojiblanco attack.

The last few months have been very difficult for Vitolo, although in reality it has been since the beginning of the course. He is the 19th footballer in the squad in number of minutes played (381). Of his first team mates, only Vrsaljko (341), who could not debut until December, Grbic (90) and Dembélé (not yet debuted) have participated less. The Canary He has only started three times in the league (and in two he was substituted at halftime) and two in the Cup.

Waiting for an opportunity in Granada

Knowing that as a rojiblanco it will be difficult this year, Vitolo was close to leaving ceded in the January market. He is a footballer with a poster, but also with a very high record. Villarreal de Emery was very interested, but the accounts did not appear in the yellow team and in Atleti it was understood that, despite what the recent numbers say, He is a player that does not spare.

Simeone has always advocated the need for strong internal competition that makes everyone better. Vitolo, however, has not been helped if his versatility, which allows him to play in the middle, up or even as a lane, or that this season they are respecting his injuries. The coach has given him good words in public, he has spoken that he needs it and hopes that he will take that step further, as Lemar did in his day, for example. This Saturday, in Granada, the team will have many casualties again and perhaps Vitolo may have a chance.