Why Chidera Ejuke was benched in Sevilla’s league opener despite brilliant pre-season

Sevilla coach Garcia Pimienta has revealed that Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke was benched in their La Liga opener against Las Palmas due to tactical reasons, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ejuke joined Sevilla this summer following the expiration of his contract at Russian club CSKA Moscow. Upon his arrival, the 26-year-old winger was immediately slotted into the first eleven, featuring prominently for them in pre-season.

The Nigerian star started in all six of Sevilla’s pre-season games, and it looked like he was going to play a big role for the club this season.

However, Pimienta made a shocking decision in Sevilla’s first game of the season at Las Palmas, as he benched Ejuke for the entire game. Luis Ocampos profited from it, as he played the entire fixture.

At the end of the game, when asked for the rationale behind his decision, Pimienta revealed that he decided to bench Ejuke because he needed someone that would cross the ball, per the Nervion Hill.

In reality, Ejuke is not known for his ability to cross the ball. He prefers to cut in from the wings, dribble past defenders and try to strike or lay the ball off to a teammate.

Nonetheless, the Super Eagles will be looking to make his La Liga debut for Sevilla when they take on Villarreal next week.