Johnny Cardoso's purple patch and the Tiago comparison

Rubén Uría admits Nacho Donado was right to always call for patience with Cardoso. Nacho explains that the midfielder's injuries were impact injuries, not the result of a lack of work, and argues that Atleti's midfield now starts with him.

Rubén Uría raises the subject with one name in mind: Nacho Donado was among those who always said Johnny Cardoso needed time, and time, he says, is proving him right after a match in which the player was seen at his very best.

Nacho replies that he is delighted for him, because he is a player who has always worked hard and whose dip in form was down to factors beyond his control: impact injuries, not injuries from failing to look after himself or not putting the work in. As soon as he has had a run of games, he explains, he has got back to the level he was at before. He pinpoints the turning point as the second half against Real Sociedad, since when Atleti have been riding high.

Nacho goes further: on current form, Atleti's midfield should be built around Cardoso first, with the other pieces fitted in afterwards. Although the official MVP was Álex Baena, for his brilliant first half, Nacho felt the most complete performance came from Cardoso, who has now strung together four matches at this level, playing with authority, taking command and always knowing where to position himself. And he finishes with the comparison Rubén had already made: Cardoso reminds him of Tiago Mendes, one of his favourite players. High praise indeed, Rubén admits.