“It’s not about advice, says Thomas Lemar. “It’s more when he talks, the way he talks, his honesty. That’s what makes you play out of your skin.”

Lemar knows better than anyone the power of Diego Simeone. After joining Atletico Madrid for 60 million euros from Monaco in 2018, Lemar struggled. He scored four goals in his first two seasons and many assumed Atletico would look to cut their losses the following summer.

Yet Simeone saw a player that needed help not a transfer. He moved Lemar from left wing to central midfield and, together, they got to work. Last season, Lemar was an ever-present in the midfield three and fundamental to Atletico winning La Liga.  

 

Continue reading this article on Sports Desk, the new sports website by Times of Malta

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