Héctor Herrera clings onto place at Atleti

Atleti need to make room for Torreira. They want to get rid of Thomas Lemar but have also tried to get Héctor Herrera to jump ship. The problem is that the Mexican doesn't seem on board with the plan.

He has a contract and will do for the next two years. He is earning a good wage and although Simeone is demanding, it is a big coup to play for one of Spain's best coaches.

That is how Héctor Herrera sees it, he declined to help find himself a new team in order to help in the signing of Lucas Torreira. He is within his rights, and bad planning from the board should be blamed instead of him.

What is more, Simeone relies on him. He isn't a starter, but the coach doesn't hesitate to give him minutes when he needs him. He hasn't been completely sidelined, far from it.

The Mexican is focussed on performing the best he can for Atleti, on improving his numbers compared to last season, and showing the club that he is worth the investment they have made in him. If they have to sacrifice someone, let it be someone who is less willing to give his all every time he steps on the field.