Atlético have experienced their worst defensive first half of the season since Simeone’s arrival on the bench more than a decade ago. A fragility never seen before and that wants to begin to be resolved at the Camp Nou. For it, Simeone has Savic back, who could finally form with Giménez at the back and has two new pieces that, according to what was appreciated in his first training sessions, will have an immediate impact.
Cholo lost Trippier, who with his departure to Newcastle left a huge hole on the right wing and, although it cost, he was finally able to count on a replacement since last week. Daniel Wass joined the ranks of Atlético from Valencia to provide that versatility that allows him to add in midfield, where he has been seen most in LaLiga, or as a right back, a position in which he began his career, played many games at Valencia and continues to develop with Denmark, with a very good European Championship last summer.
And, on the last day of the winter market, Atlético were able to meet their goal of advance the arrival of a Reinildo Mandava who was already signed for June, but it can give many things already from this next Sunday. And according to Simeone’s tests, it seems clear that Wass will debut as a starter in an entire Camp Nou, while Reinildo’s options have been increasing as he has been showing his qualities to his new coach. In the case of the Danish, ahead of Vrsaljko in the rotation and with an absolute knowledge of LaLiga, in addition to the language to communicate with Cholo. Wass has been in the Spanish competition between Celta and Valencia for six and a half seasons and his experience (32 years) shortens that period of adaptation to which Simeone usually forces his signings.
Reinildo, for his part, has very different characteristics from those of his competitors. A left back with a completely defensive profile and who stands out in those facets of the game that cost Lodi the most. The Mozambican arrives with a letter of recommendation under his arm, as he was chosen in the ideal eleven of the French league last season when Lille was proclaimed champion. And Barcelona has incorporated very incisive players on the flanks who can have the perfect counterweight in Reinildo. The 28-year-old is one of those who don’t make headlines, but he is one of those defenders you never want to face.
There are still two training sessions to go before the match against Barcelona and from this Friday Simeone will have his entire squad in training dynamics. With Giménez apparently fixed next to Savic behind, the Uruguayan will be fully inserted into the exercises for the Camp Nou and remains to be seen if Cholo opts for a defense of four or three central defenders. And in the case of opting for 4-4-2, he would have to decide on the left side between Beautiful, Lodi and Reinildo. Two new faces who want to start showing their qualities to the fans from the first day and who could debut as rojiblancos in a Camp Nou that hosts a key match for Champions positions.
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