Diego Simeone is using some of his earliest tactical training sessions to create more versatility in his squad, especially the right-back position.

Juanfran, who was the sole owner of the position up until Šime Vrsaljko’s arrival last summer, was injured for a chunk of last year - as was his Croatian incumbent. José Giménez deputised in the position only for him to fall to injury too. Lucas Hernández did a job - or tried to do one - and even Thomas Partey played there at the end of last season, showing just how desperate the situation was.

Because of that, Simeone is making sure he has all bases covered. Stefan Savić stepped in there, as did Giménez at different times. Cholo is determined not to be left short when the crunch hits Atlético Madrid in 2017-18, as injuries have piled up and fitness has faltered late in previous seasons.

Other notes

Antoine Griezmann and Koke returned to training on Wednesday and they started and ended with some running around the pitch to try and build some stamina. Griezmann was cheered wildly with the past nothing but a memory for the time being.

Matías Kranevitter, who said recently that he was keen to prove himself at Atletico and be a success, was used as a centre-half. Rafael Santos Borré, on the other hand, was barely used, as it looks like it could be a year on the margins or more likely on loan for the Colombian forward.