Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez admits he has lacked consistency in a season where he has been hampered by injuries and changes in formation.
The 22-year-old has so far failed to replicate his excellent 2015-16 season and despite signing a new deal in the summer which runs until 2021 and includes an €80m release clause, he has been linked with a move to English side Manchester United.
"This season I have been lacking consistency," Saul is quoted as saying by Marca.
"Some games I have played well, others no. Last season I finished off playing a number of games at a high level, this year I am not getting that consistency.
"There are many reasons. I have also had injuries, I sometimes played with pain or an injection. Sometimes that makes you lose your confidence and you have to start again from zero.”
Atletico’s midfield has also been often rejigged this season in attempt to find Koke’s best position which has in-turn changed whether Saul plays through the middle or wider.
"These are things that the boss decides, in some games Koke plays in the centre and me out wide, or on the bench," Saul continued.
"The good thing about players like us is that we can play in many positions, we try and do the best possible wherever we are picked.
"Last year we were four midfielders playing in a line across the centre of the pitch, but this season it is different. Personally when I play in the centre I feel more comfortable, as I have always said. But the decision is down to the boss.
"The opposition teams are well prepared, they have taken points off us, something we did not expect, but we are good, working hard and looking forward.
“The only thing which has really changed are the statistics.
"We try to be just as solid in defence, but we have conceded more goals. There have been some individual mistakes, but we are working hard as a team to get that solidity back."
