Defensive Rotations: Simeone Seeks Solidity
Cholo Simeone, always in search of the defensive perfection that characterizes his Atlético de Madrid, continues to adjust his central defense. Against Rayo Vallecano, the pair of Le Normand and Lenglet are expected to start, relegating Giménez to the bench.
This constant rotation in the heart of the defense has become a common theme in recent weeks, seeking the security so longed for by the Rojiblancos fans. Since Le Normand and Lenglet played together against Espanyol, Simeone has alternated his center backs, whether by obligation or technical decision.
After a match against Valladolid where Lenglet did not have his best day, the Giménez-Le Normand duo took to the field in Gran Canaria. Despite the agonizing defeat against Las Palmas, the team managed to keep a clean sheet until the last minute, something that had not happened since the minimal victory against Athletic Club at the Metropolitano.
Simeone has already highlighted the virtues of each of his center backs. He highlighted the speed of Le Normand and Giménez, the placement of Lenglet, Giménez’s ability in aerial play, Le Normand’s ability in duels, and Lenglet’s good ball-playing ability. The Argentine coach trusts the variety of options he has at his disposal to find the ideal combination that provides the necessary defensive solidity to face the final stretch of the season.
