3. Jorge Resurrecíon Merodio (Koke)
Position: Midfielder | Age: 22
2013-14 Season statistics: 6 goals, 13 assists, 39 shots, 50% accuracy
Koke, who hails from Madrid, started with Atlético’s youth team at the very tender age of 8 and made his debut for the first team in September 2009. For a few seasons, he bounced between the first and second teams but finally became a regular first team player in the 2011-12 season. During the 2012-13 season he started in 38 out of 48 official appearances. He is good at passing – either through set pieces or open play. This last season saw him score his first Champion League goal in Atlético’s quarter final game against Barcelona.
Koke has played for Spain since 2008, starting with the U16s through to U23s before making his debut for the Spanish national team in August 2013. Aged, just 22, Koke’s already earned 7 caps. He has been named in Spain’s 30-man provisional squad for the 2014 World Cup.
Photo via Carlos Delgado