Europa League Special Part 6: Contenders for the trophy – Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D.
History:
Sevilla FC is a Spanish professional football club that was formed on 14th October, 1905. The club has won only one La Liga title in 1946 and has spent much of its history in the top tier of Spanish football. The club was promoted to the La Liga
in 2001 after a few years of exile in the Segunda division. Current President José María del Nido bought the much needed financial stability to the club by selling the clubs’ home grown players for exuberant fees, thus balancing the club’s accounting books.
Following their promotion to the top tier, Sevilla won consecutive Europa Leagues (former UEFA Cup) in 2006 and 2007. Sevilla’s Europa League triumph was the clubs first European title and only major silverware in 60 years. The success was followed by several
Champions League appearances but the club failed to qualify for the Champions League this season after their humiliating playoff exit at the hands of Sporting Braga. Sevilla’s start to the season has been modest at best which saw coach Antonio Alvarez getting
the boot. The Rojiblancos have started their Europa League adventure with another defeat and the club needs to improve manifolds to get out of the group.
Preferred Formation: 4-4-2
Defence:
Sevilla’s biggest problem is their defence. The club doesn’t have a single world class defender playing for the club. Sébastien Squillaci was the only noteworthy defender but he was sold to Arsenal FC earlier this season. Andres Palop is a reliable goalkeeper
and has saved Sevilla the blushes on numerous occasions. Julien Escudé and Alexis Delgado form the central defender pairing. Abdoulaye Konko is decent while playing on right but Fernando Navarro on the left isn’t top club material.
Midfield:
Sevilla has a good midfield to boast off. Jesus Navas and Diego Perotti form a devastating combo on the flanks. Perotti has been a revelation since last season with his sublime skill. Diego Capel on his day can be a world beater thus providing good backup.
In the central midfield, Sevilla has a wealth of talent with the likes of Renato, Zakora, Alfaro and Cigarini fighting for a first team spot. Cigarini in particular has been finding his strides after his loan arrival from Napoli. The youngster is called the
“next Pirlo” and much is expected of him.
Attack:
The club may not have a dazzling attack, but the striking pair of Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute is one of the best on the league. The two are world class finishers who can be relied upon to hit the back of the net. In Negredo and Arouna Kone, the club
has decent backup.
The one key player:
The key player for Sevilla will be Brazilian finisher Luis Fabiano. The striker is the type of player who will score even on his off days. Sevilla will look to outscore their opponents as the defence cannot be relied upon. Fabiano’s form will be detrimental
for the club’s progression.
Chances:
Sevilla has a very tough group with the likes of Borussia Dortmund and PSG. The club has already lost its opening fixture 2 – 0 to PSG in France. The team needs to improve just to get out of this group as Dortmund is a very dangerous team. Sevilla should
make it out of the group but everything depends on the draws for the knockout stage. Sevilla might get an easy team in the round of 32 but the poor defence will come back to haunt the club deep in to the competition.
Prediction:
Sevilla to be eliminated in the last 16.
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