Italian defender Matteo Ruggeri has opened up about his rapid development under Diego Simeone and named Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as the toughest opponent he has faced this season.
The 23-year-old left-back, now in his first season at Atletico Madrid after joining from Atalanta, played the full 90 minutes in Wednesday's Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal, which ended in a 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano.
"I think that my development is mostly due to the coach who has believed in me from the very beginning," Ruggeri told Sky Sport after the match. "He's given me the trust and time to work well, and I think I've improved, mostly defensively, thanks to him and the work we do every day in training sessions."
Under Simeone's demanding tutelage, Ruggeri has become a regular starter, racking up 42 appearances across all competitions this season—more than 3,000 minutes on the pitch. It's a remarkable rise for a player who has yet to earn a senior cap for Italy but has already established himself as a key figure in one of Europe's most disciplined defensive systems.
"Obviously, I can still improve, because you can learn from any opponent," Ruggeri added. "I'm happy, and we must recover well, first for Saturday's game and then for Tuesday, because we can expect a heated environment."
When asked to name the toughest opponent he's faced this season, Ruggeri's answer came with a knowing smile. "I don't want to say that it is obvious, but I guess that with Lamine [Yamal], it was a nice battle," he said. "We've met many times."
It's a verdict that will surprise few who have followed the two young stars this campaign. Yamal, still only 17, has been electric for Barcelona, terrorizing defenders across La Liga and Europe with his pace, dribbling, and creativity. For Ruggeri, facing such a dynamic talent has been both a challenge and a learning experience—one that has only sharpened his defensive instincts under Simeone's watchful eye.
With Atletico still alive in the Champions League and pushing for honors on multiple fronts, Ruggeri's growth will be crucial in the weeks ahead. And if his battles with Yamal are any indication, the Italian is more than ready for the test.