A suspension and several injuries meant that Diego Simeone had to improvise in central defence against Celta Vigo on Saturday and he decided to use the B team midfielder Toni Moya at centre-back.
This was just the latest example of the Argentine's flexibility when it comes to his players' positions.
Given how many injuries Los Rojiblancos have suffered this season, they have often had to field players in roles that are unnatural to them and 18 of the 26 outfielders used this campaign have at some point had to play in a position that is not their primary one.
Only Filipe Luis, Rodrigo, Nikola Kalinic, Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata, Carlos Isaac, Joaquin and Borja Garces have gone the entire season only playing in their natural roles.
Saul Niguez is the best example of the team's flexibility, as he has played all across the midfield, at left-back and even at centre-back.
The Spaniard had to play in central defence alongside Thomas Partey for the end of the 3-2 victory over Athletic Club in November after injuries left the team with no other options.
With those two having played at the back in addition to the four first-team centre-backs and youth teamer Francisco Montero, this meant that Moya was the eighth player to be given a run-out at centre-back this season when he played against Celta Vigo.
fiwbdiyz
1
v been be FBb
Vezonic22
4
Alético Madrid is a team I admire a lot. Right now it's the only team that can sometimes push both Barca and Real Madrid against the wall. Teams like Sevilla, Valencia and Athletico Bilbao aren't that strong like before and furthermore, Villarreal is worse.
akazoori
1
My opinion, that this type of decision, can be made in specific cases but not on a daily basis. In Atletico, as well as Isaac Suarez, most of the players play in positions that are not natural for the way they play and position for which they have excelled and that is why they are in this team. The case of Correa a player, forward today midfielder and as we all know, starts well but his physique or way of playing, makes the 30 minutes we have one player less. As I said these situations can be done in specific cases but I think that Cholo abuza much of these actions and this has reduced quality players in many cases and effectiveness to the team.
naked
1
To the best central midfielder, thomas, of lateral, saul a great promise, if it is not, of lateral left, jimenez of the best centers, because of midfielder, griezman, of forward, lemar, in left band, juanfran, of right lateral , finally ... without comments, and then his defensive approach ... great cholo, that's what we're sorry for ...
Nuckcik
0
And why do not you think that everyone plays where they should? ... the same now we would be fighting with Ajax and not in a house without almost motivation. If chips to a guy, let's say Lemar, because it is giving very good results in one position ... why do you put it on the opposite side? ... have signed another, not this ... ... Punctually and because of a need, perfect, but as a system .....
blackjust
0
It's the only thing I do not understand about Cholo and that you explain very well because the coach continually puts players in positions that are not theirs and that subtract more than adds them. It is worth that for a specific moment due to injury or sanction may be necessary but not match after match.
Benosky1
3
And Always being robbed by his rivals