Rob Walker (@rwalk03) is a staff writer at Into the Calderón and the guest on this edition of Colchonero Chat. He joins Into the Calderón site manager Jeremy Beren (@JBBeren) for World Cup banter and modest analysis of Atlético Madrid’s return to training.

The podders discuss the entertaining World Cup final between France and Croatia — sparked by Antoine Griezmann’s sterling first half — and wonder if Griezmann has pushed himself into the Ballon d’Or conversation. They also debate whether Lucas Hernández should open the season as Atlético’s starting left back after his excellent tournament in the same position. Rob and Jeremy also talk about who may cut short their holiday to be ready for the UEFA Super Cup agains Real Madrid on Aug. 15.

In the second half of this episode, the guys (with an occasional guest’s help) review an intriguing first few days back in training for Diego Simeone’s troops.

The latest Rumor Roundup has been posted! Listen to it at patreon.com/colchonerochat.