Koke is already a legend at Atletico Madrid and has been crucial to the club's fortunes under Diego Simeone.
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Atletico Madrid midfielder Jorge Resurreccion Merodio also known as Koke, is on the cusp of securing a remarkable milestone in the upcoming La Liga encounter against Real Sociedad. The footballer will become only the second player in the history of the Spanish club to represent the team on 500 occasions. Koke has not even crossed 30 but the one-club man possesses maturity beyond his years, having emerged as a reliable campaigner for the Madrid-based side.
The 29-year-old will become the second player after Adelardo Rodriguez to reach the milestone of 500 official games. Rodriguez represented Atletico Madrid for a record 550 times.
Koke was touted as the successor of legendary Spanish midfielder Xavi by the player himself, which is rare considering how rarely he praises someone. The Barcelona legend described him as the “Conductor of Spain’s Orchestra”, which is indeed an honour, to say the least.
Koke came through Atletico’s academy and made his debut for the club in 2009. The midfielder is capable of playing with both his feet with ease, with an ability to play anywhere in the midfield. Koke enjoys the talent to distribute the ball beautifully. He further possesses an excellent vision when it comes to creating attacking opportunities. The midfielder is certainly one of the most complete players of his generation.
Koke is extremely disciplined which is evident from the fact that he was sent off for the first time in his career, only in 2016. He played his 400th official club for Atletico Madrid on 20 January 2019 becoming the youngest player to do so in the process at the age of 27.
“Koke is the last player left from the day I arrived at the club. From the first day I saw him I knew he could be important, and he knows that we won’t gift anything to anyone,” said Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone ahead of the game against Sociedad.
It will be interesting to note the Spanish footballer’s performance in a vital clash. Stefan Savic recently made his 200th appearance for Atletico Madrid during the last game against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
