Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has admitted that Rodrigo De Paul has given more to the Argentina national team than he has consistently shown at club level for Atletico Madrid.
Softfootball said Simeone’s recent remarks have also fueled fresh discussion around Atletico Madrid’s attacking setup, with Julián Álvarez now being linked with possible exit talk as some of Europe’s biggest clubs continue to monitor his situation.
Speaking in an interview with ESPN, Simeone praised De Paul’s commitment, quality, and importance to Atletico, but admitted that supporters expect more from him because of his status as a World Cup winner.
“He has given much to the Argentina national team, more than to Atletico Madrid, it is clear,” Simeone said.
The Argentine coach explained that De Paul remains an important player because of his special vision of the game and his ability to influence play from midfield.
People want more and he is very important to us because of his differential vision of the game. Rodrigo is a world champion and people ask him for more,
he added.
Simeone also pointed out that De Paul’s role with Argentina is different from his role at Atletico Madrid. According to him, De Paul is more comfortable when playing slightly towards the right side of midfield, especially with Lionel Messi ahead of him and a double midfield structure supporting him.
For Argentina he moves more on the right, with a double central midfield and that helps him, in addition to having Messi ahead,
Simeone explained.
At Atletico, however, De Paul often plays in a different midfield setup, which Simeone believes partly explains the difference in his performances.
Despite calling for more consistency, Simeone described De Paul as an extraordinary player and praised the energy, personality, and Argentine spirit he brings to the squad.
“He is an extraordinary boy, it is a pleasure to have him,” Simeone said.
