Simeone's Versatile Ace Up His Sleeve

With the international break behind, Diego Simeone is gearing up his squad for the upcoming clash against Villarreal. Despite losing two key players, Nahuel and De Paul, to suspension, Simeone found a silver lining in Marcos Llorente. Often stepping in to fill various positions, Llorente has become Atletico's own Mr. Reliable. Whether he's locking down the right back spot or dominating as a right midfielder, Llorente's adaptability shines brightly, leaving fans guessing where he'll be deployed next.

Juggling Roles in Midfield Mastery

It's no secret Llorente plays a pivotal role in Simeone's strategies. Koke and Saúl are joining him in the heart of the field, but with Azpilicueta initially set to fill Nahuel's shoes, subsequent tweaks during Thursday's practice saw Llorente taking that slot. Meanwhile, Vermeeren, the wildcard, got his chance to impress in midfield. With a potential spot up for grabs, Barrios could also step up after dazzling for the Sub-21. Wherever he plays, Llorente's presence is a given, but his exact spot on the field remains Atletico's intriguing puzzle piece for Monday's match.