Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is delighted with the early season form of Pablo Barrios.

Simeone has played Barrios as a defensive pivot in midfield.

He enthused: "I spoke four or five months ago with him, I told him 'you're not going to believe me, but I see you as a midfielder'.

"He replied that he had already played there when he was younger, there are still many things to improve, but he has all the conditions.

"With Koke and Barrios there, plus (Axel) Witsel, the place is covered. If another midfielder goes out, another will have to come."