Vitolo gets a fresh start LaLiga - Atletico Faces battle with new man Lemar

After an often tumultuous season that took him from Sevilla to Atletico Madrid via Las Palmas, Vitolo can look forward to a fresh start in his first full season under Diego Simeone.

Plenty of disputes took place over the winger last summer as he absconded Andalusia to join Los Colchoneros, where a FIFA ban prevented him from registering to send him to Gran Canaria for a loan spell mired by injury.

It meant joining Atleti mid-flow and while fellow January joiner Diego Costa had previous experience with the club and coach, Vitolo didn't and therefore his 23 appearances (13 starts) counts as a respectable figure.

And now the winger has already begun training before Los Rojiblancos convene for pre-season on July 11.

As mentioned, he was a consistent fixture in the team when fit last season but he missed the Europa League final due to not fully recovering from injury and returns to Madrid to find a bolstered midfield.

Thomas Lemar's arrival from Monaco provides direct competition on the flanks with Rodri signed from Villarreal to reinforce the centre of the park, potentially forcing Koke or Saul Niguez into Vitolo's territory if Simeone so desires.

Furthermore, Atletico will continue to rely on Gabi despite his 34 years of age and Thomas Partey's excellent 2017/18 adds him in to make for a strong squad that Vitolo must find his place in.