The Spanish tactician takes his side to face the league’s most valuable player and is in no doubt that they have a mountain to climb keeping the Nigerian quiet
Alcorcón manager Francisco Javier “Fran” Fernández has described Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq as a complete striker, noting that the Almeria ace poses a lot of danger to defences in the Spanish Segunda Division.
Sadiq may not be the leading goalscorer in the second division, but no player has contributed more goals than the Super Eagles star.
The former Partizan Belgrade forward has had a hand in 29 goals (17 goals and 12 assists) in 34 appearances to lead Almeria’s charge towards La Liga promotion.
His contribution represents 40 per cent of La Union’s goals scored this term, making him one of the most vital members of the coach Rubi-led side.
Almeria, today (Saturday), host Alcorcon in the penultimate match of the season, with a victory enough to guarantee their promotion to the elite division.
Alcorcón have already been relegated from the Segunda Division and face a near-impossible task of claiming a win at the Mediterranean Games Stadium.
And team handler Fran Fernández admits it would be a tough challenge facing a seemingly unstoppable Sadiq and a robust Rojiblancos.
“He (Sadiq) is a very complete player and has a lot of impact on the offensive game,” Fernández said at a press conference, as per Diario de Almeria.
“But despite the fact that he is an outstanding player, I don’t think that Almería is about only him. The coaching staff and squad have had an exceptional season and are there for the block.
“Almería is a team that has been improving recently and has shown itself to be very complete. Their defensive work is brutal and in the counterattacks, it kills you.”
Almeria could lift the Segunda Division title with a win over Alcorcon if second-place Eibar fail to claim maximum points against fourth-place CD Tenerife.
