“He will play in La Liga next year” – Maldini insists ‘tremendous’ Super Eagles striker has quality to excel in Spanish top-flight

One of Nigeria’s most exciting attackers in Europe has been tipped to take the Spanish First Division by storm in the coming campaign

Super Eagles and Almeria forward Umar Sadiq is a fantastic footballer whose level is beyond the Spanish Segunda Division, says respected football pundit Julius ‘Maldini’ Maldonado.

Maldini has been left in awe by the consistent, match-winning performances of Sadiq for Almeria since the striker joined from Partizan Belgrade in 2020.

After smashing 20 goals while providing seven assists in 38 league games in his debut campaign in the second-tier of the Spanish league football system, Sadiq has refused to take his foot off the accelerator.

Despite spending a few weeks in January with the Nigerian national team at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, Sadiq has contributed more goals than any other in the Segunda Division.

The 25-year-old has had a hand in 24 goals (13 goals, nine assists) in 26 league games for La Union. He has another goal in two Copa del Rey matches as well.

Aside from his many goals and assists, Sadiq’s physical attributes and his brilliant link-up play have convinced international football analyst Maldini that the Nigerian was specially built for the Spanish La Liga.

“He is a tremendous footballer,” the 54-year-old said of the Nigerian international, as per Estadio Deportivo.

“He has a lot of power and is able to take out defenders with sheer power. In addition, he is capable of scoring goals with good definitions.

“It is clear that he is a player who is not from the Second Division. Next year yes, he will play in La Liga; we will see if we see him with Almería, if they finally get promoted, or with another team.”

Sadiq scored a brace at the weekend as Almeria drew 3-3 at home to Lugo to remain second on the Segunda table.

The Rojiblancos will be promoted to the elite division if they win their remaining matches.