Atletico Madrid Should Move Koke Centrally to Get Most from Their Big-Game Star

Atletico Madrid performed well against Valencia at the weekend, outplaying their Champions League-place rivals for large spells despite only taking a point in the 1-1 draw.

While it still leaves the battle for third, and thus an automatic group spot for next year's European competition, wide-open, Atleti will be happy enough that they showed good control of the match and were the better side overall.

One of their top performers was, as is often the case, midfielder Koke. The Spanish international ran the match at times, had a decisive impact in front of goal and is the most important big-game player the team has.

He is the perfect on-pitch iteration of manager Diego Simeone, as well as the player Atleti must structure the team around for next season.

Koke's Role

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

The Atletico No. 6 tends to play from the left side of a four-man midfield, sitting narrowly and tucked in when his team are out of possession and offering a battling, determined line of protection both centrally and in front of his full-back. He scraps, gets involved in tackles and works tremendously hard off the ball—but it is when Atleti are in possession that he becomes all-important.

A fantastic range of passing and the vision to see play develop in front of him mark Koke out as more than the average impressive young player. His drive and at times surprising acceleration see him streak past bodies in the centre of the park before they can react to the fact Koke has sensed an opportunity.

Whether playing through balls or spreading play wide before attacking the box from deep, he's a great initiator of his team's attacks.

"

LATEST: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Valencia. Koke grabbed the goal for the hosts. #LaLiga. https://t.co/C4hgOgBhgV

— The Continental Zone (@ContinentalZone) March 8, 2015"

Not yet a regular goalscorer, Koke's marvellous first-time finish against Valencia was only his second of the season. Only four players have created more goals than him, though, two being the world's top two players (Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi)and the others being Luis Suarez—arguably in the top five—and Denis Cheryshev, enjoying his best season to date by some distance.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

For consistency in creating quality chances, especially in big games, few can match Koke's delivery in open play. His set-piece work, also vital to Atletico's game plan, is similarly impressive.

Atleti Central

This year and before, Koke has been wide left because Atletico have options centrally, and because he provides that extra central presence when Atleti narrow their midfield.

"

If you wanted to know how good Koke really is, you only need to watch how one dimensional Atletico Madrid's midfield is without him

— Tim Collins (@TimDCollins) March 1, 2015"

"

Am guessing although he's on the bench Koke not really ready yet. Cause he's badly needed for Atletico to get hold of the ball.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) March 1, 2015"

But with captain Gabi not at his peak this season and regular partner Tiago turning 34 at the end of the campaign, the middle of the park could do with refreshment next term. Moving Koke centrally on a permanent basis is the obvious option. He's certainly capable technically and is one of the players Simeone trusts the most in the squad.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

There is never a doubt of commitment, energy or work rate with Koke, nor is there the likelihood that he will seek a departure:

"

Atletico Madrid's Koke has ended Premier League interest by saying he is staying with the La Liga champs for the foreseeable future.

— Transfer Deals (@TransferWord) January 28, 2015"

Build the team around him, and his own game will progress further. That can only be a hugely positive thing for both club and country.

Keeping Balance

Of course, the evolution of the team will force the manager to make a decision: bring in a "Koke lite" to fill the gap on the left or use the opportunity to seek a quicker, more offensive threat down the left.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Saul Niguez has shown he can be a tremendous replacement for Koke from the flank, offering a direct and skilful threat as well as great work rate, though his versatility—he has played centre-back, midfield, up front, wide, everywhere—may yet see him take a regular spot elsewhere.

Alessio Cerci can forget thoughts of making it next year, while Antoine Griezmann is the best centre-forward Atleti have; there is no going back out wide for him except in an emergency. With Arda Turan, Atleti have a creative force, a good attacker, on the right. Koke has offered a similar balance on the left.

The challenge for the manager in moving the Spaniard centrally, getting the very best out of his considerable promise by keeping him right on top of every aspect of the game, will be in making the most of an available space on the pitch to keep Atletico improving as an attacking side—while not sacrificing anything in their stern, defensive makeup.

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