Rodrigo de Paul is widely regarded as one of the greatest wing players ever to grace the pitch, and his defensive brilliance at Atlético Madrid has been a key factor in their success throughout the years.
Born on June 16, 1982, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, de Paul began his career with local side Racing Club before moving to La Liga powerhouse Athletic Bilbao in 2004. There, he quickly established himself as one of the best wing players in Europe, earning him the nickname "The Golden Boy" from fans and pundits alike.
In his first season at Athletic, de Paul made headlines when he scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad. His goal was particularly noteworthy because it was a penalty shot, which meant that he had scored two goals in just three minutes. This feat would go down in history as one of the most impressive penalties ever given in professional football.
From there, de Paul continued to excel at Athletic. He went on to win the UEFA Champions League with them in 2007, and then helped Atlético Madrid achieve another major title in 2009,Bundesliga Tracking winning the Copa del Rey with the club.
One of de Paul's most memorable moments came during the 2010-2011 season. In a crucial match against fellow La Liga powerhouse Valencia, de Paul scored a hat-trick, including a stunning strike that left many fans in tears. This goal earned him the title of "La Maldita" (the Godfather) for his performance that night.
De Paul's defensive skills were evident throughout his time at Atlético. He was known for his high physicality and quick reflexes, and he was able to play both forward and central midfield positions. He also had a knack for finding open spaces in the box, often providing assist to teammates who needed them.
One of de Paul's most iconic performances was a 2015 World Cup qualifying game against Portugal. In a 3-0 victory, de Paul scored a brace and provided assists for teammates such as Luis Suárez and Sergio Ramos. The goal set up by de Paul was so important, as it allowed his teammates to score a third goal and send Atlético Madrid into the semi-finals of the tournament.
Despite his success at Atlético, de Paul did not always receive the recognition he deserved. Despite being considered one of the best wing players in the world, he faced criticism for his lack of consistency and the fact that he did not seem to have a consistent rhythm or pace in his games. However, his contributions to Atlético and the team as a whole have been highly regarded, and he remains one of the most talented and influential players in the history of professional football.