The triumphant return of Rodrigo is an indication of the growing strength of the Atletico Madrid academy, which is typically given little attention compared to those of rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Atletico are reported to have paid around €20million to bring Rodrigo back to the capital, the midfielder having developed into a Spain international during his time at Villarreal.
And Rodrigo s return comes at the ideal time as he slots in as the ideal replacement for Gabi, the club captain having departed for Al Sadd at the age of 35 following Atleti s Europa League triumph.
Rodrigo is far from the only Atletico academy product who could line up against Real Madrid in Wednesday s UEFA Super Cup in Tallinn.
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