Noting that he was not playing anything, located in the back of the closet Diego Pablo Simeonejust three moments in as many games, health decided a few weeks ago to take an interest in the situation of Marc Pubill (22 years old) facing the winter market. The boy, eager for minutes in the elite, sounded more than good about that music and started conversations with the Navarrese club, which was optimistic about the operation. It's not anymore, of course.
Because in a few weeks, Pubill has gone from ostracism to ownership at Atlético de Madrid. “He is in continuous progression, it won't take him long to reach the national team”'Cholo' recently said about a player to whom he had allowed just 40 minutes in the first 17 games of the season, despite the fact that he was available and called up in all of those games.
Pubill is in continuous progression, it will not take long to reach the national team
Marc Pubill, in the match against Valencia. / AFP7 via Europa Press
This Sunday (2:00 p.m.)Pubill will start Atlético's last game in 2025, in Montilivi against Girona. Near his home in Terrassa, where he will spend happier holidays than expected after completing at 'miles' from Simeonea slow-burning process of adaptation to the Argentine coach's work model that, in his case, has included a change of position.
Because Pubill, despite its 190 centimeters of heightalways grew up as a right back. Last summer, Barça studied his possible signing to relieve Koundébut the lack of financial fair play ruled out the operation. He played last season for Almería, in the Second Division, and took advantage of the fact that Jesús Areso, Atleti's first target to reinforce that position, ended up choosing to go to Athletic.
A signing of 16 million
16 million euros put Atlético on the table for a defender whom Simeone saw him as a central defender from the first momentideal for his five-man defense, but also adaptable for the four-man defense, the two systems that he combines naturally during matches. But that required specific daily and constant training with the red-and-white technicians in the sports city of Majadahonda.
“Simeone has taught me to play as a center back. I had played a few minutes as a center back, but I had never trained in that position, they had not taught me”the boy explained a month ago in an interview with the AtléticoStats channel, just before he began to hatch. Against Inter, in the Champions League, he participated in the last half hour with a very good feeling. From there, takeoff.
Simeone has taught me to play as a center back. I had played a few minutes as a centre-back, but I had never trained in that position, they had not taught me
From irrelevant to indisputable
He has played 90 minutes against Oviedo, Athletic, PSV and Valencia. In the last month, he has only been unable to participate against Barça and, due to rest, on Wednesday in the Cup against Atlético Baleares. In this section, the Catalan has exhibited his power in the aerial game, his determination in duels and his audacity when he has to go to court.
Marc Pubill, with Simeone behind him. / AFP7 via Europa Press
Pubill has benefited in recent weeks from injuries to The Norman, Giménez and now, Lenglet and the displacement of Hancko to the left side due to the poor performance they have offered Ruggeri and a Javi Galan who aims to leave the club in January.
“You have to maintain your humility and stay away from the newspapers and all the nice words that you (journalists) are going to offer you during this period.. When he gets away from all that, he will continue to maintain his work with great patience,” Simeone recommended after last week's game against Valencia. This Sunday, against Girona, so close to his home, he has a new opportunity to demonstrate his progression.
Probable lineups
Girona: Gazzaniga; Arnau, Vitor Reis, Blind, Àlex Moreno; Witsel, Iván Martín; Tsygankov, Lemar, Bryan Gil; y Vanat.
Atlético: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Giuliano, Barrios, Koke, Nico González; Julian Alvarez and Sorloth.
Arbitrator: José Luis Guzmán Mansilla, Andaluz School.
Estadio: Montilivi
Time: 14.00 (Movistar LaLiga)
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