“Starting him was unthinkable”- Real Sociedad coach Sergio Francisco issues surprising Sadiq Umar verdict after Villarreal loss

Real Sociedad coach Sergio Francisco has defended Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar for his contribution in their 3-2 loss to Villarreal at the Reale Arena, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Before Sunday's game against Villarreal, Nigerian striker Sadiq had not started a La Liga game for Real Sociedad this season.

​However, the club's first-choice striker Mikel Oyarzabal suffered an injury, as earlier reported by Soccernet.ng, leaving Sadiq as the only senior striker available to coach Francisco.

​As predicted, the 28-year-old started for the Txuri-Urdin against Villarreal. But he was taken off for Ander Barrenetxea in the 56th minute, and his side eventually lost 3-2.

​According to Sofascore, the Super Eagles star was the worst-rated Real Sociedad player on the pitch. He registered only one goal attempt, 15 touches, and lost all nine of his duels.

​Sadiq was rated 5.7 for his performance, the lowest on the pitch. His replacement, Barrenetxea, even managed to score for Real Sociedad.

What Sergio ​Francisco Said About Sadiq Umar

​Despite his poor rating, Sadiq Umar earned praise from coach Sergio Francisco, who noted that the Super Eagles star is not at his best yet.

“Sadiq didn't have an easy match; we've been dealing with a lot of issues, gradually integrating him into the group dynamic; three months ago, starting him was unthinkable,” Francisco said, per Estadio Deportivo.

“He gave his all, perhaps he didn't participate much, but it wasn't an easy situation. Even so, he helped us, he ran a lot, and we need everyone.”

Now that Oyarzabal is injured, Sadiq Umar has a big point to prove to coach Francisco. However, he did not take his first chance on Sunday well.

Next up for Real Sociedad is a Copa Del Rey fixture against third-tier Spanish club Reus. Sadiq will likely start that game and should be looking at scoring at least.

If he fails to deliver, coach Francisco will likely bench him and start using a false nine, since Sadiq is the only senior striker available.