The Academy Knocks on Cholo's Door
Atlético de Madrid faces Real Sociedad with significant absences in attack: Julián Álvarez and Riquelme are doubtful. This situation opens the door for young talents from the youth team, led by Fernando Torres, who have shown they are ready to make the leap to the first team.
Names like Omar Janneh, with seven goals in the League and six in the Youth League, and Rayane Belaid, a differential player according to experts, sound like possible reinforcements for Simeone. However, the youth team has a crucial match against Sevilla Atlético, playing for the promotion playoff.
This match is a priority for the B team, which could limit the availability of its key players for Cholo. The tight schedule, with the first team’s match on Saturday night and the youth team’s on Sunday morning more than 500 kilometers away, presents a dilemma for Simeone.
Will he prioritize the immediate needs of the first team or respect the aspirations of the youth team? Names like Kostis, Javi Serrano, Rayane, Spina, Gismera, Omar Janneh, Carlos Giménez and Iturbe have entered first team calls, demonstrating Cholo’s confidence in the academy.
The final decision will be in Simeone’s hands, who must find a balance between the needs of the first team and the ambitions of the youth team. The youth players are preparing to reinforce the first team. But the youth team has much more at stake, the first team is only looking to protect third place.
