Atlético Madrid’s head coach, Diego Simeone, has lauded Rodrigo De Paul for his growing importance in the squad’s success. Under Simeone’s guidance, Atlético has cemented its position as a powerhouse in La Liga and European football, highlighted by an impressive 15-match winning streak. Although the team recently faced a brief setback, they bounced back with a crucial Champions League victory. Central to this resurgence has been De Paul, whose performances have solidified his role as an indispensable player for the team.
In a recent press conference, Simeone expressed his admiration for the Argentine midfielder. “He has always shown class because he is an established player, a world champion,” Simeone said. “Recently, he has been taking significant steps forward at Atlético Madrid. It’s normal for people to appreciate and recognize all that he provides us. He is very important for our team.” Despite early challenges and doubts about his future with the club, De Paul has overcome adversity to become a pivotal figure in Atlético’s success story.
De Paul’s personality and understanding of the game have been instrumental in his resurgence. Simeone highlighted these qualities, saying, “He is a player who, beyond his understanding of the game, possesses a lot of personality. We hope he continues in this manner. We will demand this level of performance from him because it’s exactly what we need.” This recognition was recently echoed by Atlético fans, who voted De Paul as the Five-Star Player for December, acknowledging his consistency and hard work.
The accolades don’t stop there for the midfielder. In 2024, De Paul ranked fourth globally for the highest number of matches played, with an astonishing 68 appearances across club and international competitions. His compatriot Julián Álvarez led the rankings with 70 matches. Sharing the December honor with players like Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, De Paul’s rise reflects both his dedication and his critical role in Atlético Madrid’s ongoing success.
