BTN News: Even with a half-strength squad due to the absence of key players, Atlético Madrid is set to kick off its 13th season under Diego Simeone with a preseason match against Numancia. As they prepare for the Memorial Jesús Gil y Gil, taking place this Saturday at 18:00 in El Burgo de Osma, the team is looking to fine-tune their strategies and assess new talents ahead of the upcoming La Liga season.
This annual match, held in honor of the late Atlético president Jesús Gil y Gil, serves as the traditional start of Atlético’s summer preparations. Unlike last year, when the game was played post the commencement of the season, this year’s edition returns to its usual preseason slot, with La Liga set to begin in less than a month on August 19.
Missing Key Players and New Inclusions
Several key players are missing from the training sessions due to their participation in the Euro Cup and Copa America or their ongoing summer vacations. Antoine Griezmann, Rodrigo de Paul, Nahuel Molina, and José María Giménez are yet to rejoin the squad. Meanwhile, Pablo Barrios, Samu Omorodion, and Giuliano Simeone are representing Spain in the Olympics.
Currently, only a few first-team players are fully engaged in training, including goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan, defenders César Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel, and Reinildo Mandava, wingbacks Samuel Lino and Rodrigo Riquelme, midfielders Marcos Llorente, Koke Resurrección, Arthur Vermeeren, and Thomas Lemar, and forward Ángel Correa. Notably, Jan Oblak is following a specific training regimen.
Spotlight on Arthur Vermeeren
Arthur Vermeeren, who joined Atlético from Antwerp for €30 million, is one to watch this preseason. After spending a semester adjusting, the 19-year-old is expected to step up his game, having returned to training early following his stint with Belgium in the Euro Cup 2024. Thomas Lemar also returns to the fold after being sidelined for the entire previous season due to an injury sustained in September 2023.
Simeone will also utilize this match to integrate new signings like Robin Le Normand, a Euro Cup 2024 champion from Real Sociedad, and potentially Artem Dovbyk from Girona, if the deal is not hijacked by Roma’s interest.
The Test Match Line-Up
The preseason opener against Numancia will feature a mix of established players and promising youth. Expected to start are Antonio Gomis or Horatiu Moldovan in goal, with a defense comprising Axel Witsel, César Azpilicueta, and Ilias Kostis. Marcos Llorente and Samuel Lino will likely man the flanks, while Koke Resurrección, Thomas Lemar, and Arthur Vermeeren control the midfield. Upfront, Ángel Correa and Rodrigo Riquelme will spearhead the attack.
Simeone will also likely give game time to several academy players, including Gero Spina, Pablo Pérez, Adrián Niño, and Omar Janneh, ensuring a thorough assessment of his squad ahead of the new season.
Anticipated Challenges and Future Outlook
The upcoming season poses significant challenges for Atlético Madrid, with their league opener against Villarreal on August 19. The team will also compete in the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup. The absence of key players such as Memphis Depay and Álvaro Morata, who have left for new clubs, and the departure of veterans like Mario Hermoso, Gabriel Paulista, Saúl Ñíguez, and Stefan Savic, add to the complexity of the task at hand.
Despite these challenges, Atlético Madrid aims to build a competitive squad capable of tackling multiple competitions. The preseason matches, starting with Numancia, will be crucial for Simeone to refine his strategies, evaluate his players, and prepare for another demanding season.
Conclusion
Atlético Madrid’s first test match against Numancia is more than just a game; it is a critical opportunity to evaluate the squad’s readiness, integrate new players, and set the tone for the upcoming season. With numerous players still on international duty or vacation, this match will help Simeone identify the strengths and weaknesses of his available squad and shape the team for the challenges ahead. As the La Liga season approaches, the Memorial Jesús Gil y Gil serves as a vital step in Atlético’s preseason preparations.
