Diego Simeone's favorite player in La Liga not on Atlético Madrid is reportedly Samuel Castillejo of Malaga.
“I’m not the new pearl of Malaga, I’m a worker,” said Castillejo.
The most recent "pearl" of Malaga was Isco, who has become one of the world's best young players at Real Madrid.
Isco too, is a fan of Castillejo. “It’s the Samuel Castillejo show,” he tweeted during one of many standout performances from the 20-year-old this season.
Castillejo can play positions on either flank, play through the middle or in attack.
“People were speaking of this kid as more of an economic topic (due to the large contract at 16), rather than that of him on the field," said Manel Casanova, head of Malaga’s productive youth academy. "Now, with his role in the first team, no one speaks about money anymore.”
Castillejo has a wiry frame that has led to Angel di Maria comparisons.