Diego Simeone uses Vitor Roque & Arda Güler examples to explain Atlético star’s struggles | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone on Saturday opened up on the difficult start to life to have been endured by Arthur Vermeeren with the club.

Midfielder Vermeeren, of course, sealed a move to Spain’s capital during the January transfer window.

After the Atlético brass agreed to fork over a substantial sum to Royal Antwerp to beat out the competition for the signature of the 19-year-old, Vermeeren swiftly linked up with his new teammates at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Safe to say, however, that the Belgian’s integration period has since proven a challenge one.

All told, Vermeeren has to date managed just three La Liga appearances, only one of which came by way of a start.

Not only that, but he has not taken to the pitch in Atlético’s colours for over two months now, since a short cameo against Cádiz.

Chatter surrounding Vermeeren’s situation in Madrid has therefore inevitably begun to spread, ahead of the summer transfer window swinging open.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, boss Diego Simeone was in turn asked for his take on the recent developments surrounding the winter addition to his squad.

And, in his response, the Argentine tactician called for patience, comparing the situation of Vermeeren to those of Vitor Roque at Barcelona, and Arda Güler at Real Madrid:

“He is a young player, with an important future. He has had to play a little like Roque at Barcelona, ​​or Güler at Real Madrid. They are young boys. There are moments in which they can be used and others in which we have to wait.”

Conor Laird | GSFN