“They were calmer”

Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil has praised Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar after he scored in their hard-fought 3-2 win over Granada on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Umar has had a tough start to life at Real Sociedad. He was the club’s record signing when he joined from Almeria two years ago. He sustained a season-ending injury just three games into his time at Real Sociedad, and he only returned fully this season.

Coach Alguacil has often expressed optimism over Umar despite his long layoff, but the Spanish coach has used him sparingly. Prior to yesterday’s game, the 27-year-old striker had started just eleven Laliga games and scored two goals, both of which came in the first half of the campaign.

However, Alguacil’s decision to start Umar against Granada on Saturday paid off, as he scored the first goal for Real Sociedad to spur them to victory.

Following Real Sociedad’s victory, coach Alguacil expressed satisfaction over Umar’s performance. He also praised Portuguese forward Andre Silva, who scored his second goal of the campaign.

“There is no doubt that it (scoring) is very important. I am transmitting peace of mind to them (Umar and Silva), but in many games, as a result of anxiety, they have done things that they did not have to do,” Alguacil said per Tribal football.

“Today, they have been calmer, which is why they have surely scored the goals. They come to them phenomenal, to feel important, because they have also served to add three points away from home.”

Alguacil would hope that Umar’s goal gives him confidence as the season reaches home stretch. Real Sociedad sit sixth in the Laliga after 28 games. They are 12 points behind the Champions League spots.