Simeone's team will be title contenders, but who will be in the starting XI?

Defence: Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Hernandez

Right Back: Juanfran

Atleti have the perfect blend in all of their defensive roster, the perfect blend of age and experience. Starting form the right back, most of their games will be played by Juanfran and the newcomer, Santiago Arias.

Before Vrsaljko's loan, with an otion to buy, transfer to Inter Milan, he was the one with the most chances to start at the right back, given his praise-worthy effort with Croatia at this year's World Cup. After his departure, Atleti acted swiftly and grabbed Santiago Arias from PSV Eindhovan. The 26-year old Colombian was a first team player in Netherlands and also played 4 games in Russia this World Cup, but given his inexperience in the Liga Santander, his is unlikely to be chosen ahead of the experienced Juanfran.

The 32 year old is surely a veteran of the game but that does not mean he is not capable of being a first team starter. For those who doubt him must watch the videos of Madrid Derby at the Wanda Metropolitan last season when Juanfran beat Cristiano Ronaldo to the ball to deny him a one on one with the goalkeeper.

If Arias adapts to the conditions and style of play in Spain quickly, Juanfran might not remain the first choice right back come the end of this season, but he will surely start for Simeone in crucial and crunch games.

Centre Backs: Jose Gimenez, Diego Godin

Godin and Gimenez will be the backbone of the defense.

Atletico Madrid's centre back pairing is exactly the same as that of Uruguay's. Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez were the reason why Uruguay went the World Cup group stage without conceding a goal, a group that had Mo Salah and the Russian attack which was on fire. The same pairing has been exceptional for Atleti for the past few seasons. Miranda was sold to Inter, after a league winning season, only because of Gimenez' phenomenal growth. He complements his senior partner, Godin, very well. Given that Godin is 32, he doesn't have the pace to cope with his opponents young legs that run all the time, instead, he has the tactical knowledge and the experience that helps him cover for lack of pace. He also makes up for any lack of experience that Gimenez shows, which is becoming rare day by day.

The Uruguayans will remain the first- choice centre backs but the next in line for that position isn't bad either. Stefan Savic has been reliable for Simeone and will look to make the starting XI given his experience and an ageing Godin. Lucas Hernandez can also play at the centre back but given his performance in the World Cup, there's another spot open for him in the starting XI.

Left Back: Lucas Hernandez

This position in the defence also has the blend of experience and youth. Filipe Luis and Lucas Hernandez are the two options available with Simeone at left back. Newcomer Jonny Castro was sent to Wolverhampton on loan upon his arrival from Celta, which leaves only these two in the contention for the starting XI.

Filipe Luis is also 32 and not looking to go down the lane just yet. He is still going strong and has been an important figure for the Rojiblancos defence. He will play a role in Simeone's XI but not as frequently as one would expect. Why? There's a World Champ in the squad for that place.

Lucas Hernandez won the World Cup with France this year and was phenomenal in the left back position. He initially joined as a centre-back but after his performances for Atleti, he is likely to play at the left back and will probably start ahead of Fillipe Luis in the starting XI.