Johnny Cardoso thanked Diego Simeone for his faith, but the Atletico Madrid boss wants more from the midfielder to "think about him".

The United States international went for surgery back in May to repair damage to his right ankle.

Cardoso had been limited to substitute appearances since his brief return at the end of August, but started and played 85 minutes in Atletico's 4-0 thrashing of Osasuna on Wednesday.

He even capped off a comeback performance with an assist, passing in behind for Alex Baena to round off the scoring in a thumping LaLiga win.

"I've been through some difficult months after the surgery, suffering with my ankle," Cardoso said.

"Now I feel very good, and there was no better way to return to the team than with this win at home and a clean sheet.

"This performance is the result of the work I've been doing since the surgery, both physically and mentally.

"I'm also grateful to the coach for his confidence, but it only depends on me. This is what I've been working towards. I have to be at 100% and available whenever I'm needed, even if it's only for a few minutes. The coach will get the best out of everyone."

Only Koke could better Cardoso for touches (91) and accurate passes (77) across either side in an assured outing from the returning midfielder.

Simeone was pleased with Cardoso's showing, but suggested similar performances must follow if he is to become a regular in his starting XI.

"Johnny [Cardoso] needs to play like he did today, or like he did against Real Sociedad when he came on," Simeone said.

"Those are the performances that make the coach think about him. He has it in him; he needs to do it consistently, and hopefully he can help us.

"He's been working incredibly hard since last season. He had injuries, and hopefully this year he can find consistency whenever he gets his opportunity."

There was less doubt about Simeone's praise for Cristian Romero after Atletico kept a second straight clean sheet in the league, having also overcome La Real 3-0.

"We'd been after him for two years. He had also wanted to come here for two years," Simeone said of the former Tottenham centre-back.

"The club made a huge effort to bring him in, and he gives us what we need. Hopefully, he can maintain this level while keeping his humility.

"He has a lot of personality and authority, and we need him exactly as you see him. He came here to be an important player for the club and the team."