Sadiq: Valencia coach hints at new role for Super Eagles forward against Atletico

Valencia head coach Carlos Corberan has suggested that Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq could be involved in a new attacking setup ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian striker has played an important role in Los Che’s fight for survival since returning for a second spell during the January transfer window, after initially playing for the club on loan in the second half of last season from Real Sociedad.

The 29-year-old has scored five goals in all competitions since his January arrival, including back-to-back strikes against Mallorca and Girona in his last two games. Those goals have helped Valencia gain some advantage in the race for survival with only a few matches left.

Valencia will host Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla on Saturday in a game that could also see Sadiq come up against compatriot Ademola Lookman, if he features, as Atletico might manage minutes to key players with a crucial Champions League clash against Arsenal coming up in midweek.

Corberan suggests new role for Sadiq in attack

Valencia have majorly operated with one main striker supported by another forward and Umar Sadiq has had to share minutes in the centre-forward role with Hugo Duro, who is Los Che’s only other natural striker.

During this period, Sadiq has made nine La Liga starts, scoring three goals. Meanwhile, Duro, who featured enjoyed a more prominent role earlier in the season, has also started seven league games and scored three goals.

However, both players previously started together during Sadiq’s loan spell last season against Atletico and Corberan has now hinted that a similar approach could be used once again as Valencia look to unsettle Atletico with a different attacking setup.

“Last year, when we played against Atletico Madrid at home, they both played together, and I liked it”, the Valencia boss said, via the club’s official website.

“It all depends on what the game needs at any given moment. Having two pure strikers is interesting when the team are putting a lot of pressure on the opposition. It’s important sometimes to use players who help with the build-up play and the attack.

“Lucas Beltrán is a number 9.5; he’s closer to the attacking midfield position. Sadiq and Hugo are different from Lucas. We have alternatives”, Corberan concluded.

Valencia are currently 12th in the La Liga standings with 39 points, five points clear of the relegation zone.

With only a few games remaining this season, they will be hoping for a win against Atletico to strengthen their chances of securing top-flight survival.