Now that Atalanta finally got its man, it opens up a new whale of a question, how will Gasperini use Teun Koopmeiners in the rotation? Every indication points to Atalanta deploying the Dutchman immediately and often, but how? Two major obstacles stand in Koopmeiners’s way of consistent starter’s minutes. The way I see it:
- Atalanta is firmly entrenched in a two man midfield set up
- Two of Atalanta’s best players, Remo Freuler and Marten de Roon, already occupy Koopmeiners’s best position
So what gives? Its undeniable that Koopmeiners is more than just a rotation in Gasperini’s mind, but how does the gaffer consistently slot in three excellent defensive midfielders? Fortunately its a good problem to have, and one that is much more enticing to address rather than the previous tiring question, “when will Atalanta get some midfield depth.”
Option 1- Gasperini Employs a Relatively Strict Three Man Rotation
Betwen Serie A, the Champion’s League, and Coppa Italia, Atalanta is guaranteed to play at least 43 more matches this year. If all of Koopmeiners, Freuler, and de Roon participate in a two on one off rotation, there’s a path for each midfielder getting 28 starts the rest of the season. This could be a good way to promote recovery and prevent overwork. Additionally Koopmeiners gets to be paired with both Atalanta veterans and learn the intricacies of each of their games. However, the downside would be derailing of any sort of rhythm or riding the hot hand, so this sort of strategy may go by the wayside if it is evident that one pairing is supremely stronger and gives Atalanta the best chance of winning. At least in the early parts of the season, it permits Koopmeiners to get his feet wet, until the best formation is found.
Option 2- Koopmeiners Plays the “Pessina Role”
Yes Matteo Pessina may be a more advanced midfielder; however, his strengths lie more in his overall well-roundedness rather than his pure playmaking ability. In fact, Koopmeiners may be a better playmaker! Pessina’s defensive contribution alongside his ball holding are all attributes Koopmeiners possesses. The question becomes, is he being wasted playing out of position? Koopmeiners definitely excels with his playmaking ability, and his eye for goal – penalties notwithstanding – may be better served further up the pitch. Just because he has played most of his life as a defensive midfielder doesn’t mean he cannot be effective and reliable as some sort of hybrid attacking central midfielder – he is young enough to adapt. Nonetheless, this experiment is not highly probably, but would make for an interesting experiment – especially if Atalanta finds itself starved for a goal against a low block.
Option 3- Remo Freuler Slowly Gets Phased Out of the Starting XI
Enter the apocalyptic strategy of the day, but if you squint you can convince yourself that there may be something here. As indespensable as Remo Freuler is to the club, there has been minimal chatter whether his contract expiring in 2022 will be renewed. A deal, of course, can get done mid-season, but time is ticking and its doubtful that player are keen to negotiate contracts mid season. The main problem with this option is it leaves Atalanta again vulnerable in the midfield – depth being one of the main reasons Koopmeiners was brought aboard this summer. This feels unlikely, but given the uncertain contract landscape surrounding Freuler, it deserves at least a cursory thought – even if it has a lower probability of materializing. Freuler is too valuable for Atalanta not renew, is still on the right side of 30, and has shown no real signs of slowing down. This idea is worthy a fleeting thought, but not much more beyond that.
Ultimately Atalanta finds itself in a “good problem to have” situation. With three excellent players to fill two spots, Gasperini will be forced to go fishing in his barrel of creativity to get them all meaningful minutes. Which has me leaning towards option 1. It permits each player to occupy his most comfortable position, while ensuring that no one gets overworked. Come April and May that little bit of extra juice in the tank could be the difference between qualifying for the Champion’s League versus Europa League. But at the same time, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Gasperini throw a wrinkle at his opponents and use Koopmeiners’s versatility in unique and perhaps unconventional ways. Let’s make sure everyone stays on their toes!
