Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez maintains all of Diego Simeone’s squad are playing well – not just Diego Costa.
Diego Costa has hit the headlines with 10 goals from eight games and is La Liga’s leading scorer. However, Adrian is at pains to point out that the whole team have been performing at a high level right from the start of the season.
“The team is very good. Not only Diego but all of us are at our best and that competitiveness is good.
“Even the players that don’t get in the side so much make us strive for more,” the 25-year-old told AS.
“Ever since Cholo [Simeone] arrived he has handled us very well. We all know we need to play well and that there are a lot of games.
“The squad we have is hardworking and respectful and that is vital to the team doing so well. We are all rowing in the same direction.
“It is a long season and being in three competitions is tiring with only being able to field 11 players. The boss is always encouraging those that play less and telling us that we are also important,” said Adrian, who has made just three La Liga appearances this term.
Having been the subject of reports he was on the verge of a possible move away from the Vicente Calderon over the summer, Adrian claims it is an issue that is now in the past.
“That question is now over. There was talk of a potential exit but in the end I was, and am, very happy to be here. Now I’m very hopeful of getting a regular place in the team and being able to help.
“This year I completed the whole pre-season with the team [having been at the Olympic Games last year].
“I had some bad luck with an injury but I feel good now,” he concluded.
