How Atlético Madrid's Strongest XI Could Look by the Start of the 2020/21 Season
By Robbie Walls
Aside from their high-profile victory over Premier League leaders Liverpool in the Champions League last-16, its been a relatively turbulent season for Atlético Madrid.
A mixture of poor form and inconsistent new signings has left Diego Simeone with the tricky task of revitalising his players ahead of the 2020/21 season.
With the summer window set to be impacted by COVID- 19, and with Atlético having splashed the cash last year, there may not be too many in comings to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
With this in mind, here's a look at Los Rojiblancos' potential strongest lineup for next season...
GK - Jan Oblak
The Slovenian stopper has been in his usual impressive form this season, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding just 21 goals thus far in La Liga.
With arguably the past keeper in the world at their disposal, it is no wonder Simeone's side remain so solid.
RB - Kieran Trippier
While the return of Šime Vrsaljko may give the English defender something to think about, the right-back berth should remain Trippier's in the near future.
Although he has not been exactly consistent thus far this season, the former Tottenham man has certainly recaptured some sort of form after his horror-show of a year in 2018/19.
CB - José Giménez
The Uruguayan defender had been the man to fill the boots of compatriot Diego Godin, but persistent injuries this term have stunted his development and his game time.
While it is perhaps unclear as his future at the club, his quality and his youth should mean he remains a fixture of the Atlético set up for years to come.
CB - Felipe
The Brazilian defender joined the club last summer from Portuguese side Porto, and has stepped up to the plate in the absence of the injured Giménez.
The 31-year-old had been involved in 21 La Liga games this season, and will be looking to kick on again next season as the leader of Simeone's backline.
LB - Renan Lodi
One of the few arrivals to have made a real impact this season, the Brazilian has made the left-back spot his own - a position that had yet to be properly filled after the departure of Filipe Luís.
The 22-year-old needs to build upon his two league assists so far this season, but his pace and energy down the left flank has been a crucial asset to the side.
CM - Thomas
While the transition to the new era of Simeone football has been difficult, one man that has made it much easier is Thomas.
Although the club will have to fend off potential suitors, keeping the Ghanaian at the centre of the park could be crucial to the club's future success.
CM - Saúl
The Spanish midfielder has emerged as the true superstar in Atlético's ranks, and embodies the work rate and quality that any midfielder should have in Cholo's side.
However, despite signing a nine-year contact in 2017, rumours still persist regarding his future - with Manchester United a potential destination.
Yet, with the current economic situation, it would seem likely that the Spaniard will continue to augment the midfield in Madrid for a while longer.
LM - James Rodríguez
With the Colombian in dire need of a fresh start - and with Atléti in need of some attacking quality - a move away from the club's Madrid neighbours may make sense.
The player should most likely be willing to make a switch without having to relocate his family, while his failures in the last few seasons may provide Simeone with a hungry talent at his disposal.
A move would not, however, be without risk, as it has been almost six years since the former Monaco man was at the peak of his powers at the 2014 World Cup
RM - Koke
The Spaniard is Atlético through and through, and has been providing consistent quality for a number of seasons.
With his ability to play virtually anywhere across the midfield, the Madrid captain is indispensable, and will be looking to add to his already impressive haul of 446 appearances for the club in all competitions.
CF - João Félix
The Portuguese wonderkid has been anonymous in Madrid this season, and will have to start performing quickly in order to repay the whopping £113m that was spent on his signature.
However, it is not all doom and gloom for the former Benfica man, as there is undoubted quality within him and it perhaps may just take one season to truly settle in a foreign league.
As a reminder of his quality, let's not forget he was the 2019 Golden Boy winner as well as last season's Primeira Liga's Best Young Player of the Year.
ST - Edinson Cavani
With Diego Costa perhaps past his peak and with Alvaro Morata, well, being Alvaro Morata, it may be time for a new striking big gun to join the ranks at Atlético.
The club have previously had the likes of Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero and Radamel Falcao on their books, and are in dire need of a new, prolific number nine.
While he is no long-term solution, the 33-year-old definitely knows where the goal is, and would be a steal on a free transfer.