Pascual Ruiz: "In the big week, Koke is the one who stepped up"

Pascual Ruiz Arnal points out that, against Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the midfielder who delivered was Koke, and he offers an uncomfortable verdict: Simeone is not convinced by Hjulmand in demanding matches.

While all the talk is about Zubimendi, Pascual Ruiz Arnal turns the spotlight on the midfield Atlético already have, and on a reality that, without belittling anyone, he finds striking.

Against Bayern Munich, the team improved when Koke came on and, in the clash for top spot against Barça, it was Koke who started and he put in a superb performance. Hjulmand, Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas did not play, and Cardoso was carrying more of a knock.

Alejandro Gutiérrez notes wryly that Barcelona took a step forward once Koke ran out of fuel, and Pascu uses it to reinforce his point: when Koke drops, Atlético drop.

His most emphatic line comes next: against demanding opponents, those who press high or force you to think quickly, Simeone is not fully convinced by Hjulmand. He recalls that the Dane did not start against Liverpool, Real Madrid or Barça despite being fit. That is why he finds it strange that Zubimendi is being discussed when the squad has seven midfielders, although he accepts that the reality of the week is that the one who delivered was a 35-year-old Koke.