Banega has plenty to prove

The midfield playmaker was drafted in on loan from Valencia just before transfer deadline day, having earlier this summer helped Argentina to win gold at the Olympic Games.

It remains to be seen when the 20-year-old will get a chance to impress at his new club though, with Atletico enjoying a storming start to the campaign and the likes of Maniche, Raul Garcia, Paulo Assuncao and Ignacio Camacho all competing for central midfield berths.

"I`m calm, I`m not going to rush things. First I want to be in the best form possible, and then help my team-mates, although I eager to make my debut in this shirt and in the Vicente Calderon," said Banega on his club`s website.

"I know that if I do things well I will have chances to play. It`s true that there is a lot of competition, but this is good in a team because it makes you better.

"I want to take advantage of the opportunities that the coach gives me and leave a good image of myself on the pitch.

"I`ve come to one of the biggest teams in the league and I`m full of enthusiasm.

"This is an incredible group of players and I hope to adapt as soon as possible."