French defender Clement Lenglet, on loan from Barcelona, has yet to play a single minute for Atlético Madrid as he continues to adapt to his new team. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone is still shaping his defense, particularly at left-center-back. Despite this, Simeone highlights Lenglet's humility, competitiveness, "strong aerial ability," and "excellent ball distribution."

His debut is coming soon. "He’ll definitely get some minutes before the next international break," the coach hinted during Saturday's press conference in Majadahonda. This means Lenglet could feature in one of the next five matches against Rayo Vallecano, Celta, Real Madrid, Benfica, or Real Sociedad.

"He's a player with humility, hard work, dedication, and a real desire to improve, and as a coach, you love having someone like that," said Simeone. "We’re going to help him develop in ways we believe will make him a better footballer. He’s competing with Reinildo, Robin (Le Normand), Axel (Witsel), and José (María Giménez), who are all performing well."

Lenglet is the only one of Atlético’s six summer signings who hasn’t made his debut this season. In fact, he and Javi Galán—returning from a loan to Real Sociedad—are the only two first-team players yet to play. "Lenglet is working hard to improve and adapt to the way we play. He’s a great competitor with strong aerial skills and good left-footed passing. But he's competing with guys who are also doing well," Simeone reiterated.

"Reinildo played really well the other day, even though he doesn't have the technical quality of Clement to start the play, but he brings other defensive strengths," he added. Simeone explained that his defensive choices vary based on opponents: "We decide who to play depending on the game, and of course, we might make mistakes."

In contrast, Robin Le Normand—who arrived earlier in the summer—has been a mainstay in all six matches, primarily as a right-center-back. Simeone’s preferred defense has also included José María Giménez and César Azpilicueta, though Reinildo Mandava replaced Azpilicueta in two games. Axel Witsel, meanwhile, has started two of Atlético's six matches this season.