Koke’s Resurgence: From Benchwarmer to Key Player

The conclusion of last season and the arrival of Cardoso presented Koke with a vastly different scenario than what he is experiencing this season. Initially positioned as a luxury substitute, he has once again become a cornerstone for the team. After twelve league matches and four Champions League fixtures, the Vallecano midfielder ranks as the seventh field player in terms of minutes played. During the international break, he will implement a special training regimen to ensure he is in optimal condition for the concluding part of the year.

As previously noted, Koke’s first three matches of the season suggested a more secondary role. He began the season as a substitute, being called to action during halftime at the RCDE Stadium, missing the match against Elche, and seeking victory in added time against Vitoria. However, since then, he has consistently been included in the starting lineup for the subsequent nine LaLiga encounters.

From the match against Villarreal at the Metropolitano to last weekend’s game against Levante, Koke has accumulated nine starts and logged 719 minutes on the pitch. His average playtime has increased from a mere 16 minutes in the initial three matches to 80 minutes currently. He has reestablished himself as the motor of the team under Cholo, completing the full 90 minutes in five of the nine matches without being substituted. Now, with the international break, he has the opportunity for a much-needed respite.

It is true that circumstances have necessitated Koke stepping back into a starring role. The captain, who was expected to start against Villarreal in early September to rest Cardoso before the match at Anfield, found himself taking center stage following the injury to the American player before their trip to Liverpool. The absence of Johnny has significantly impacted Koke’s workload, leaving him with little opportunity for rest. The return of the former Betis player should help alleviate some of Koke’s responsibilities.

While it is accurate that in the Champions League, Cholo has been managing Koke’s minutes—granting him only two starts in the four matches played—he has nonetheless contributed to all four fixtures in the prestigious tournament. The arrival of the international break and Cardoso’s return after several weeks away should be pivotal in regulating the efforts of a captain who continues to be essential for Cholo.