News
MIÉ 10.02.2016
"Saul has absolutely everything: he's good in the air, has intensity, marksmanship, can play anywhere in midfield, can start play...". The qualities listed by Diego Pablo Simeone in a press conference a few months back when describing one of the cornerstones of his squad, who, after Tiago fell foul of injury against RCD Espanyol and as a result of his dedication in every training session and game, has become an essential element in the Rojiblancos formation.
And all his hard work has paid off, not only in terms of minutes, but also in goals, resulting in the youngest of the Ñiguez clan being ranked as the team's second sharpest shooter across all competitions (6). Some of those goals have been as crucial as the one he netted in Lisbon's Da Luz Stadium which gave Atletico their 2-1 win against Benfica, thereby securing their place at the top of their Champions League group.
Whether as the left centre-back, part of the midfield pairing or out on either flank, the Spanish player has delivered everything expected of him by the Rojiblancos club through sheer hard graft. Winning himself a space in the starting XI has been no easy feat for a player who began training with the Atletico first team at the tender age of 15, when Quique Sanchez Flores saw the enormous potential in a player who was, at that time, still only a Cadet.
"Strength comes from an indomitable will". A quote Saul has had made into a tattoo which sums up his determination, an aspect of his nature that was particularly in evidence in the last league match. After losing the ball that allowed Keko to score the 0-1 for SD Eibar, Saul clawed it back with a stunning header that wrapped up the proceedings for a 2-1 Atletico win. Problem solved, the academy graduate raised his hands as if asking for forgiveness from a crowd totally enraptured by the commitment shown by one of their own. Because, as Simeone says, "Saul has absolutely everything."
© LALIGA - 2016