Saul Niguez wants to rediscover his best form at Champions League holders Chelsea after his Atletico Madrid frustrations, saying: I don t want to see the Saul that you ve seen these last two years .
Saul will spend the 2021-22 season on loan at Chelsea following Tuesday s deadline-day move, with the European champions reportedly having the option to buy the Spain international for £30million (€34m) after paying an initial loan fee of £5m (€5.8m).
The 26-year-old was part of Atletico s title-winning side in LaLiga last season, however, he found himself playing out of position under Diego Simeone in the Spanish capital.
As he prepares for life at Stamford Bridge, Saul – also linked with Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool – is relishing the opportunity to start fresh in London.
Saúl to play on loan at Chelsea until June 30. We wish you the very best you deserve it!
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish)
The only negative was not playing in my position [at Atletico], Saul said in an interview with Ibai Llanos on Twitch.
I could not show what I would like. I had a block in my head that did not allow me to play in another role. Chelsea s option was to leave my comfort zone. It won t be easy to get into that team.
A box-to-box midfielder, Saul is at his best operating in a central role, though his versatility and work-rate has often seen him deployed out wide by Simeone.
Saul made only 22 league starts last season, his lowest figure since 2014-15. This perhaps explains why he ranked only fourth in the Atleti squad for attempted tackles in the top tier, with 57.
However, since August 2019, only Real Madrid s Casemiro (190) had attempted more tackles by a midfielder than Saul (159) in LaLiga.
We’re delighted to welcome to the club on a season-long loan!
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC)
At Chelsea I will train in my position. Then we will see if I play. That is the biggest cause of my decision, Saul added.
I want to go to Chelsea, try the experience and then see what happens. I don t want to think further. I want to go, compete and help Chelsea.
Personally, I want to go back to being the Saul that I want to see. I don t want to see the Saul that you ve seen these last two years. I was very frustrated not being able to show people what I am capable of.
