Atletico B Coach Alfredo Santaelena has explained why Oliver Torres had been absent from his team for the past few weeks.
The youngster impressed over the summer with the Spain Under-19 team that won the European Championships, before catching the attention of Diego Simeone in pre-season training and friendlies with the senior squad.
Despite then making his debut for the first team against Levante, the youngster did not see any playing action at any level, until this weekend’s game for Atletico B, where he came off the bench at half-time to score a notable goal.
“He’s an excellent player, very good. Until recently though he was not at the acceptable physical level,” explained his Coach Alfredo afterwards.
“I’m the first to be delighted that he is back though. He is a guy who has to keep growing as a player and he is one who will contribute a lot, but I have to defend all the players.
“With Oliver the issue has been physical because mentally he is a strong kid who is willing to do things right. He is a player that will give us much joy at Atletico B and of course, then with the first team.
“The aim of mine and the club is that all the kids are conditioned during this year for the first team.”
A number of Alfredo’s players, including Oliver, have been training and travelling with the first team in recent weeks.
“Selfishly I would like to have these players at my disposal, but it is good for the kids to train with the first team, it is a reward.
“It is good though that the come to us on Friday and Saturdays because they can work on set pieces, defensive and offensive work, we want to apply tactics in the game…”