Koke
ATM
Valuable veteran captain
Koke came on in Atletico Madrid's derby win over Real Madrid and completed 45 minutes, continuing his role as a rotation option for the Colchoneros.
Analysis: Koke has settled into a bench role at 34 years old but remains a trusted option for manager Diego Simeone, entering the derby to add control in central midfield. He was left out of the starting XI for that match alongside Morten Hjulmand, with Johnny Cardoso preferred as the lone holding midfielder. He continues to carry weight in the rotation despite his advancing age and reduced role, contributing nine chances created, 12 tackles, three interceptions and 12 crosses in eight appearances across all competitions.
Signs extension through 2027
Koke signed a one-year contract extension with Atletico Madrid, committing to the club through June 2027, the club announced.
Analysis: Koke made his debut with the first team on September 19, 2009, and has gone on to make 740 official appearances for the club, scoring 50 goals and providing 122 assists, making him the player with the most appearances in the club's history. The 34-year-old captain has won eight trophies during his time at the club, including two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, two Europa League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and a Spanish Super Cup, placing him second only to Adelardo in terms of silverware won as a player for Atletico. His extension ensures the Colchoneros will retain their captain and most experienced figure in the squad for the 2026-27 season, which gets underway officially on the weekend of August 16.
Five crosses Saturday
Koke recorded one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (three accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Koke recorded five crosses Saturday, including a season-high three accurate crosses. He also created two chances in a productive day on the attack. It's been another modest season for the central midfielder as he has two goals and two assists through 31 appearances (21 starts) in La Liga this season.
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