Umar Sadiq: Nigeria and Valencia star blames two factors for Real Sociedad struggles

Nigeria international Umar Sadiq has opened up on the challenges he faced during a difficult spell at Real Sociedad, pinpointing injury and limited playing time as the main reasons for his struggles, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles striker moved to Sociedad in the summer of 2022 in a €20 million deal from Almeria, where he had scored 43 goals and registered 13 assists in just 84 appearances, playing a pivotal role in their promotion to La Liga.

Sadiq made an immediate impact at his new club, scoring on his debut against Atletico Madrid and catching the eye in a Europa League win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, his promising start was cut short just days into his Sociedad career when he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a league match against Getafe, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.

Upon his return, Sadiq struggled to regain his place, managing just three goals in 36 appearances across all competitions in the following season.

With Sociedad keen to see more from their high-profile signing and goals proving hard to come by, the club opted to loan him to Valencia in January after he failed to score in seven La Liga appearances this term.

Since his move to the Mestalla, the 27-year-old has rediscovered his form, scoring four goals in 11 league matches and playing a key role in helping Valencia steer clear of the relegation zone.

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What Umar Sadiq said?

Reflecting on his struggles at Sociedad, Sadiq told TVC News:

“From the first day I went to Real Sociedad, I went there with a lot of expectations. Unfortunately, I went there and after five days I tore my ACL and things changed.

“I was out for one season and I came back and I could not get that continuity that I need because I was left behind. Also it was the coach’s decision which I respected.

“Sometimes, you find yourself in situations where you cannot change anything. And my situation at Real Sociedad was that: I could not change anything. Because of lack of playing time after coming back from injury. I had to face the reality.”

“Every footballer needs continuity which I did not have when I came back from my injury at Real Sociedad. And you can see that as I came here, week in, week out I’m playing. I’m gaining my confidence and that’s all what I needed. As a football player, continuity (is key). You have more calm and you have more time to show what you have.”

Sadiq hasn’t scored since his brace against Real Valladolid on March 8 but remains an important figure in Ruben Baraja’s side.

He featured in recent matches against Girona, Mallorca, Real Madrid, and Sevilla, helping Valencia secure three wins and a draw, including a famous 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The striker will be aiming to return to the scoresheet when Valencia travel to face Rayo Vallecano on April 19.