Cardoso looked like the perfect fit for Atlético Madrid from the moment he was linked. Skillful but rugged, he seemed almost engineered for Diego Simeone’s system.
But circumstances - injuries and uneven form - have delayed his impact.
The defensive midfielder has spent recent weeks on the bench and was finally handed a big opportunity against Barcelona midweek. It didn’t last long. Cardoso came off injured after just 12 minutes in a 3-1 defeat, and reportedly did not train ahead of Saturday’s match against Athletic.
That raises a broader concern in a World Cup year. Cardoso’s talent is obvious, but he still hasn’t carved out a consistent role at the international level. In his absence, others such as Cristian Roldan have taken their chances. Availability is a skill, too, and without a sustained run of minutes, Cardoso could be a high-profile player watching from the outside.
If he is available, Saturday offers a chance to get back on track. Athletic aren’t Barcelona. They’re middle of the pack defensively, conceding 20 goals in 15 games, and near the bottom in scoring with just 14. These are exactly the types of matches that can help him rebuild rhythm and confidence.
Hopefully, he sees the field - and makes the most of it.