Diego Simeone has described winger Arda Turan as Atletico Madrid's "most intelligent footballer".
The Turkish international joined the La Liga champions in 2011, and made 39 appearances in all competitions for the club last season to help them claim the league title.
The manager told Ntvspor: "He is extraordinary. He has a huge heart and he always wants to give everything on the pitch.
"When I arrived they told me that he did not run, that he did not track back to defend. But I think that Arda is the most intelligent footballer that we have here.
"Sometimes he prefers to keep his position and slow it down, so that he doesn't wear himself out as much. When he comes inside he is very creative and he makes the difference."
Atletico face Real Sociedad in La Liga tomorrow.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
