Spanish media: Romero expected to start for Atletico, Simeone hopes he becomes defensive leader

According to El Pais, Atletico Madrid have conceded six goals in the first four league matches, and Cristian Romero is expected to make his first start for the team against Liverpool, with Simeone hoping he can become a defensive leader.

Atletico Madrid have already conceded six goals in their first four league matches, which could lead to Cristian Romero making his starting debut at Anfield on local time Wednesday. Liverpool, coached by Iraola, pose a major attacking threat, and Atletico also suffered an unusual defensive decline last season, something Simeone has acknowledged. Poor defensive performances led Simeone to make the famous remark: "Our attack is better than our defense."

The Argentine center-back has already taken over Messi's historic mantle and become the captain of the Argentina national team, and he is also a player Simeone has admired for a long time. Therefore, this summer, when the Argentine coach had to approve Molina's transfer, he made a suggestion to the sporting department: "But bring Romero here."

Atletico Madrid paid Tottenham Hotspur 33 million euros, plus 2 million euros in easily achievable bonuses. Romero's arrival came a year later than originally planned. Last summer, the two sides had already agreed on a 50 million euro transfer, but Atletico's sporting department ultimately decided not to proceed with the deal. Romero then renewed his contract with Tottenham Hotspur for four years, but the extension appeared more like a temporary measure. In April this year, sources close to the London club had already determined that he would be sold to Atletico Madrid.

Since Godin's departure and the decline in form of Savic and Gimenez, Simeone has been searching for a defensive leader. Players such as Hermoso, Le Normand, Hancko and Pubill have not convinced Simeone that they can become the spiritual leaders of Atletico's defense.