Atlético de Madrid, who occupy second place in LaLiga two points behind Barcelona, prepare for their next match against Levante on Saturday. Among the players expected to be part of the starting eleven is Pablo Barrios, a youth midfielder who has become one of the pillars of the team under the direction of Diego Simeone.
The Madrid midfielder, who has belonged to the club since his childhood, has just finished the training session on Thursday, October 29. During practice, Barrios had a long conversation with Gustavo López, one of Simeone's assistants. In a brief five-minute exchange, the Argentine coach showed a very affectionate gesture with the player, before both continued with their usual tasks. The talk highlights the importance of Barrios within the team's scheme and his role as fourth captain.
Since the start of the season, Barrios has accumulated 668 minutes in all competitions, participating in ten games and starting nine of them. He has scored a goal and provided an assist, in addition to registering 89% accuracy in his passes. With 316 passes completed, he ranks third among the club's midfielders, only behind Koke and Alex Baena. He has also created 12 chances and had seven shots on goal, demonstrating a balance between playmaking and defensive contribution.
On the defensive side, Barrios is the second midfielder with the most interceptions, with ten interceptions in total, and maintains a 55% success rate in won duels. His comprehensive performance makes him a key element in both the defense and the construction of Atlético's attack.
With the visit of Levante on their agenda, Atlético de Madrid seeks to consolidate its position in the table and continue competing for the top of LaLiga. Barrios' presence in the starting eleven will be decisive for the team's performance in the next match, where the midfielder is expected to continue providing his stability and creativity in the midfield.