After loans to Tottenham and Chelsea, Clément Lenglet could start for Atlético de Madrid against Real Madrid on the eighth day of LaLiga 2024/25. The long wait since the new route from France to the Metropolitan was closed because of this campaign, and this He could have a big prize if Diego Pablo Simeone actually bets on him in the derby. “Of course yes, like all other footballers they have the opportunity to compete,” said Cholo on Lenglet’s decision to join the team. Clément did not play a single minute against Vallecanos or Celta, despite the loss of César Azpilicueta, So far he has started as a left back. Navarrese, who also arrived this summer, made a very quick transition and established his leadership on the pitch and in the locker room, surpassing the former Barça player who was converted into a third option, and behind Reinildo.
Lenglet was punished for delaying his signing at Atlético, who wanted to extend his contract with Barça – signed until 2027 – to give up part of his salary for the real alchemy of finances to decide how the Colchoneros and the Catalans will share their salary. Meanwhile, he was under Hansi Flick’s management in the preseason, and captained the friendly match between Manchester City and Barça in Orlando. Finally, it was renewed and leased until June 2025, The next step is to earn the trust of the red and white coach.
Clement Lenglet, captain of Barça at Manchester City – Barça for the 2024/25 pre-season played in Orlando / VALENTÍ ENRICH
Praise, but don’t play time
Clément has already received public praise from Cholo for his work, dedication and intelligence, although he has said that he has to trust him. “He is working a lot on what we want, to know the position. There is a player who is dedicated and able to control. We coaches like players who want to do well.”
The coach of Atlético appreciates his ability to combine, his qualities of football (“he has a very good game in the air and a good exit with his left foot,” argued Simeone). But, apparently, now he has to earn his stripes. “He competes with players who have done very well. Reinildo may not have the ability to start the game, but he has a certain defense that puts him ahead of others,” said Simeone.
Lenglet is training with FC Barcelona before going on loan to Atlético / EFE
Lenglet, replacing the experienced Azpilicueta
The absence of the injured Azpilicueta (a muscle problem kept him on the sidelines for almost a month) and the need to rotate due to the rigor of the calendar, giving Lenglet the opportunity to show that he can perform at Atlético, as he did before. at Barça and later at Tottenham and Chelsea. Perhaps not always as an indisputable starting point, but as a reliable method in inconsistent situations.
He has no experience against Real Madrid. Lenglet faced a white team in his seasons as a Sevilla player (1 win, 1 draw and 2 losses) and wore the shirt of Barça (3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses), and He knows what it’s like to win at the Santiago Bernabéu even beat meringues (5-1), even at the age of five.
Another thing is that Simeone has decided to bet on allowing Lenglet to rebuild his arsenal and give the former French player (29 years) another option as a player in red and white. important game to avoid falling behind in the La Liga competition at the first opportunity.
