Rodrigo de Paul’s departure from Atlético de Madrid takes its toll on him before the World Cup

There are nonetheless many Atlético de Madrid followers who rub their eyes once they see the squad and can’t discover Rodrigo de Paul. It wasn’t simply any outing. The Argentine had simply had his finest season as a colchonero, being that lung that Simeone so wanted and having a number one function within the Membership World Cup. Exactly there, in the course of the competitors, was when he determined that his time within the European elite was over.

Many thought on the time that Rodrigo nonetheless had some vitality left in him. He had the extent to proceed combating within the Metropolitan, however the temptation of america and the reunion with buddies have been stronger. Nevertheless, what appeared like a seamless plan to reach recent for the following World Cup occasion is starting to show in opposition to them.

A drop in tempo that Scaloni doesn’t ignore

No person goes to find now that the MLS isn’t LaLiga or the Champions League. Regardless of how a lot the American league grows, the bodily and tactical calls for are mild years away from what De Paul skilled each Sunday underneath Cholo. At Atleti, Rodrigo had fashioned a luxurious partnership with Pablo Barrios, being the stability of a group that was already getting ready his contract renewal as a reward for his consistency.

From Argentina, the echoes that arrive should not precisely festive. As reported by ESPN, Lionel Scaloni wouldn’t be in any respect glad with the efficiency that the midfielder is providing in Florida. Though his numbers should not mediocre (3 targets and seven assists in 28 video games), the sensation is that he has misplaced that cruising rhythm that solely European soccer offers you.

The World Cup, at risk

At 31 years previous, De Paul needs to be in his absolute soccer maturity. His departure was shocking within the Metropolitan places of work as a result of he was trusted as a pillar within the brief time period. Now, the participant’s worry is actual: he can go from being Messi’s squire to watching Albiceleste video games from the bench.

🇦🇷⚠️ Lionel Scaloni would NOT be satisfied by Rodrigo De Paul’s stage previous to the World Cup.

By way of ESPN. pic.twitter.com/KRr6yLczIC

— Modo Scaloneta 🇦🇷🏆 (@ModoScaloneta) March 31, 2026

If the dearth of competitiveness at Inter Miami finally ends up taking its toll on him, that hasty goodbye in the summertime might turn into the most important mistake of his profession. In the meantime, at Atleti, life goes on, and though there was no direct alternative, the group has proven that nobody is crucial in the event that they lack the starvation to compete on the highest stage.