Words fail to describe what Diego Simeone means to Atletico Madrid. The capital city of Spain had always been known on the football map for the white half of the city i.e. Real Madrid. They are the most prestigious club in Europe boasting of 11 Champions League titles.
However, of late Simeone has managed to give the red and white half of Madrid their own identity in European football since he took the job at the Vicente Calderon in 2011.
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Atletico Madrid have won five trophies under the Argentine’s stewardship over the years including one La Liga title and a Europa League. They have also made it to the final of the UEFA Champions League twice in the past three years but lost both times to cross-town rivals Real Madrid.
In recent times, speculation is on the rise that the Argentine manager could leave Vicente Calderon at the end of this season and his preferred destination is believed to be Inter Milan, a club close to his heart.
Losing Simeone would be a massive blow to Atletico and a number of their key players could also be on the move if the manager leaves the club. Here are five such players who could be on their way out.
#1 Jose Gimenez
A number of European elites are in search of a quality young centre-back who could shore up their respective defensive departments and if Simeone leaves Atletico, they will certainly be testing the club’s resilience with bids for Jose Gimenez.
The Uruguayan international is regarded among the biggest talents in world football at the moment. A number of English giants had been strongly linked with the 22-year-old in recent times and with no Diego Simeone at the club, Atletico will certainly find it hard to hold onto their prized asset.
A strong and commanding centre-back who also possesses an excellent ball-playing ability, Gimenez would walk into the starting XI of most teams in the world and the likes of Manchester City and United, Arsenal, Chelsea will surely not let the opportunity go.
#2 Yannick Carrasco
In modern football, one of the most important things for success is having quality inside-forwards and Yannick Carrasco has the potential of becoming a terrific player in that role in the future. Remember his excellent performance in the Champions League final in 2016 where he changed the complexion of the game on his own after coming on at half-time? Well, the top managers in the world will certainly remember that!
The Belgian international has everything you demand from a modern-day attacker. An excellent burst of pace, scintillating dribbling skills, jaw-dropping technique and moreover, a deadly eye for goals- these all make him a complete wide player and he is also versatile enough to fill in at central positions. If Simeone does leave Atletico, the 23-year-old could be on his way out too.
#3 Koke
Throughout the history, Spain have regularly produced some of the best midfielders of the game – mostly during their golden generation which started in the second half of the last decade. Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Marcos Senna, Santi Cazorla, David Silva, Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets and many more were the creme de la creme of midfielders at their peak. Even after that legendary set of midfielders, Spain have hardly struggled for quality in the middle of the park thanks to the likes of Koke emerging.
A midfielder with all the talents that one aspires of, Koke would fit in any team in the world and if Simeone leaves the club, he could surely be on his way out as well. Still just 25 years of age, the Spanish midfield maestro has a big future ahead of him and it is hard to believe that that will be at Vicente Calderon.
#4 Saul Niguez
Saul Niguez is one of the biggest talents in world football at the moment and it is hard to believe that he will stay at Atletico Madrid for the rest of his career. We have seen the Spanish wonderkid attracting interest from some of the biggest sides in Europe in recent times and if Simeone leaves the club in the summer, Niguez could also follow him away from the red and white half of Madrid.
A versatile player who can play anywhere in midfield including the flanks and also in the defence, Niguez has the potential to be a world beater and is destined for big things. With Simeone’s future hanging in the balance, we can say the same for Niguez too.
#5 Antoine Griezmann
One of the best players in world football at the moment, Griezmann’s future at Atletico Madrid is uncertain regardless of Simeone’s decision about his future. The Frenchman has been consistently linked with a move to Manchester United in recent times although nothing is concrete right now. Even if United fails to qualify for Champions League football this season and he does not move to Old Trafford, Griezmann would definitely get a big offer for himself.
One of the most exciting forwards in the world, the French international would be welcomed with open arms at any club in the world with his quality and Simeone leaving the club would mean that the 25-year-old would also move out anytime soon.
