Simeone: Spain will benefit like Atletico from versatile Llorente

Diego Simeone claimed Spain will benefit from Marcos Llorente's versatility as much as his Atletico Madrid side do.

The midfielder was given a first senior call-up by Spain coach Luis Enrique for a friendly against the Netherlands and Nations League clashes with Switzerland and Germany.

Simeone has used the 25-year-old in a variety of positions since he signed him in June 2019 from LaLiga rivals Real Madrid.

"We are happy with the arrival of Marcos to the national team," the Atletico head coach told a media conference on Friday.

"He is an all-round player, he can play anywhere on the pitch. He can play on the wing, as a second striker.

"He has height, speed and goals. Luis Enrique is going to meet a footballer who will offer him many resources.

"The team has a coach who will always look for what he sees is best for the team, along with the ideas he has and the way the footballers are.

"Marcos is going through a spectacular moment."

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— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 6, 2020

Atleti host Cadiz in LaLiga on Saturday having not lost in 12 meetings with the Andalusian side on home turf, with only one draw during this streak – a 0-0 back in May 1991.

Simeone's side are also unbeaten in their last 22 LaLiga matches (W13 D9), their best unbeaten run in the history of the competition and the longest currently of any team in the top five European leagues.

However, Cadiz have made a fine start to the current season and are behind fourth-placed Atletico on goal difference with 14 points, albeit having played two extra games.

With his side having battled to a 1-1 draw against Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League during the week, Simeone is wary of the threat posed by Cadiz.

And he is especially concerned that his players will not have a crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano to encourage their tired legs towards the end of the game following a hectic period.

"Cadiz are a very strong away team that have won all four away games, very compact. I like their form and their collective work," Simeone added.

"At the end of the matches the absence of the public is noticeable because they cannot push in the final stages when the scores are tight. We miss our fans a lot."