Koke, Atlético's youngest player to reach 350 games
Against Málaga in La Rosaleda on Saturday, the midfielder will reach the milestone at just over 26, three years younger than previous holder Juan Carlos Arteche.
Atlético midfielder Koke will make his 350th appearance for the club in Málaga on Saturday, become at 26 years, one month and two days old, overtaking the previous youngest player to reach that figure for the club, Juan Carlos Arteche, by over three years, who was 29 years, six months and eight days old when he reached his three and a half centuries as a Rojiblanco.
Koke made his debut for Atlético on September 19, 2009 and has become not only a fundamental player for Diego Simeone but a one-club man who is on course to break the record for appearances of 550 set by Adelardo between 1959 and 1976.
Koke on course to be Atlético's record appearance maker
This season Koke can also break into the top 10 of historical appearance makers for Atlético, with Feliciano Rivilla, Miguel Ángel Rioz, Alberto Fernández and Quique Ramos within reach if he plays another 12 games after the match in La Rosaleda.
Among active players only Gabi and Fernando Torres have played more times for Atlético but at 34 and 33 respectively it is unlikely either can hope to reach Adelardo’s total.
In 2013-14 Koke played 68 times in all competitions, but even at a more sedate rate of 50 games a season he could set a new record at the club at the age of 30.
By contrast Torres reached 350 games for Atlético at the age of 33, the same as club captain Gabi.