Why Koke Will Spend at Least 2 More Seasons at Atletico Madrid

With the January transfer window moving closer, Atletico Madrid will doubtless see several of their star players—and possibly manager—linked with moves once more in 2016, with Koke one of the names likely to repeatedly pop up in the gossip columns.

Chelsea are just one of the sides who have been linked with the midfielder on more than one occasion already, with Fichajes.net (h/t Metro) among those noting Jose Mourinho's interest in the Atleti man.

While personnel changes are inevitable at any top club, and the lure of bigger wages and a new challenge may eventually prove enough to turn Koke's head from the Vicente Calderon, the Colchoneros should have no fears that the 23-year-old will be heading off any time soon. At the very least, they should expect him to continue being an important part throughout this season and next.

Trust and Progression

Koke isn't simply part of the team, he's one of the most recognisable embodiments of manager Diego Simeone on the pitch itself.

His tenacity and aggression, mixed with technique and attacking vision, is the blend of everything Simeone wants from his team, with Koke the obvious focus when on top of his game as he affects the flow of the team so much.

He is trusted implicitly by his manager in whichever midfield role he's asked to play, and he has shown with consistent performances that he is one of the leaders of the team.

Koke's mentality and tactical awareness, just as much as his physical and technical traits, make him so important to Atleti—and so admired around Europe.

OZAN KOSE/Getty Images

Koke still has growth left in his game, too.

He's an experienced player for 23, and already has a near-permanent residence in the Spanish national team, but it is expected that, sooner or later, Koke will transition into a central role for his club on a more regular basis where he can dictate play even more.

Atleti Rebuild

A hard summer of transfer work by Atletico has seen a new crop of players emerge this season, with the likes of Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and Jackson Martinez both impressing in the weekend win over Valencia.

While the Colombian striker is already in his prime, Carrasco, 22, is an example of the talented younger players brought to the Calderon over the past couple of seasons, with plenty more beginning to be merged into the side.

Koke will be one of the core components of the new-look side over the next couple of years and, if all the talented young players continue to progress and stay at the club—admittedly, it's more probable that at least a couple will depart—Atletico's future as a top Spanish side looks secure.

Atletico could feasibly line up with an almost complete (and competitive) XI all aged 24 or under: Jan Oblak in goal, Josema Gimenez and Stefan Savic in defence, Lucas Hernandez at full-back, Koke, Matias Kranevitter, Saul Ñiguez and Carrasco in midfield and any of Oliver Torres, Angel Correa and Luciano Vietto supporting Antoine Griezmann in attack.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Add in the 29- and 30-year-olds who still have plenty of time left at the top—Juanfran, Diego Godin, Filipe Luis, Martinez— and there's so much growth and potential in the squad that, even with departures and replacements along the way, it's hard to see anything but a long list of successes in Atleti's near future and Koke will very much be central to that.

Per his agent's comments to Cadena Cope, as reported by ESPNFC, the player is well aware of his importance. Inaki Espizua was quoted as saying, "He feels he is a key part of Atletico de Madrid's plans for the future and I therefore have very little else to add."

Silverware

Above all else, the players will, of course, want to be successful. Atletico, this season and beyond, have every reason to think they can be serious contenders for major trophies.

CRISTINA QUICLER/Getty Images

In La Liga this season, they are only two points off top spot after a quarter of the season, having already played against the entire top six from last year and suffered two narrow defeats.

Their continuity and squad depth betters that of Real Madrid and Barcelona, though, of course, both of those have genuine superstars in their squad and a relentlessness about their domestic victories which Atleti couldn't match last season.

Simeone, though, has already proven he can guide the team to major victories and trophies, and Koke has a great relationship with his manager.

The Atletico boss told Marca, per PA Sport (h/t ESPNFC) the player was non-transferable, and Koke clearly appreciates that view of him and reciprocates in turn, again in the words of his agent.

Espizua said:

"

We owe a lot to Simeone and his words are really touching.

If we look back at when Simeone arrived at the club, Koke looked to be heading on his way out of the club. But he had blind faith in him and the player is repaying him for that trust.

They are together in this project.

"

It's unlikely they will be parted any time soon—and further trophies can be won and celebrated by all.

Follow @karlmatchett