Ex-Real Madrid striker advises Valencia coach to bench Sadiq Umar for 7-goal Spanish star

Former Real Madrid striker Miguel Angel Ferrer has advised Valencia coach Carlos Corberan to stick with Spanish striker Hugo Duro as his first choice instead of Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar, Soccernet.ng reports.

Sadiq joined valencia from Real Sociedad during the January transfer window after two tough years. The Super Eagles star made the decision due to his lack of game time with the Txuri-Urdin.

Sadiq's game time has improved slightly since he joined Valencia, but he is still second choice to 25-year-old Spanish striker Hugo Duro, who has contributed seven goals and two assists in 21 LaLiga appearances this season.

Still, Sadiq has been making a case for himself, as he has provided two goals in seven appearances. In fact, he scored a crucial equalizer for Valencia against Villarreal last time out.

84 – Umar Sadiq's goal, at 83:25, is Valencia's latest away goal against Villarreal to win or draw in @LaLigaEN since one from Aritz Aduriz in January 2012 (86:05).

Valuable. pic.twitter.com/VEbsoWJ4NX

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 15, 2025

With Sadiq showing glimpses of brilliance, a place in the starting lineup will not be too much to ask. However, former Real Madrid man Angel Ferrer believes the Super Eagles striker has not done enough to displace Duro.

“Sadiq is doing very well and will have more opportunities. But for me, the Valencia center forward has to continue being Hugo Duro,” Angel Ferrer said, per Onda Deportiva Valencia.

How Sadiq Umar can get his breakthrough at Valencia

Sadiq Umar has a tough task in his hands if he wants to become the first choice striker at Valencia. Duro has been the first choice striker at Valencia for the last two years despite his low goal returns.

Sadiq has not been in great form himself, as he struggled badly at Real Sociedad before moving to Valencia. The Super Eagles star would need to be in rich scoring form to become coach Corberan's go-to guy. Nonetheless, if Duro gets injured, Sadiq would still get his chance.

Sadiq looked like he would take the Spanish top flight by storm after his exploits with Almeria three years ago. Although injuries have not helped his case, he has to get past his setbacks and start shining again.