Renan Lodi, 22, became a breakout start when Brazil played the World Cup Qualifiers in Qatar, in October last year. Not so much for the call of the left wing or for his title against Bolivia, but mainly for the role he played in the rout 5-0.
The player acted as a left winger, a fifth attacking man open from the side. Despite the few training sessions with the national team, the experience will be useful onhis return to Atletico Madrid this season.
"Simeone talked to me [after the game against Bolivia], about playing more like a striker. Before, in the scheme we were playing in, there was no way. It was a 4-4-2 and I was a lateral. We are now playing with three defenders and two open men from the edge. So for me it's more like what I found in selection," says Renan Lodi.
After starting the campaign in LaLiga as a starter, the Brazilian lost a space onthe team. With the injury of Belgian Yannick Carrasco, Renan Lodi gained a new opportunity. Last weekend, he started against Levante and should be among the 11 who will start this Tuesday's (23) duel against Chelsea in the Champions League.
"Now there is Chelsea, Villarreal and then Real Madrid. It is a very important sequence for me," says Lodi.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon