Team Focus: Sevilla Struggling in Attempts to Replace Departed Stars

Losing two key figures in Jesús Navas and Álvaro Negredo was always going to be a significant moment in Sevilla’s history. The former a player who identified with the club more than any other, and the latter will go down as one of the best strikers in their history. Acclimatisation to these changes, plus an already extremely high turnover of players, meant Sevilla’s 2013/2014 campaign was going to be anything but plain sailing.

After 8 games and heading into a two week break, Sevilla sit 8th with just 2 wins and having conceded 14 goals - only the bottom two clubs in La Liga have conceded more. Hardly scintillating numbers, but they don’t tell the whole story of this team in transition.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of the season so far has been Unai Emery’s inability to maintain a settled XI and it’s clear he doesn’t know which one is his best. Perhaps only goalkeeper Beto, centre-back Juan Cala and left-back Alberto Moreno can be defined as regulars. The latter has made serious strides in his development, and his reward was a call-up to the full Spain setup. His 2.3 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game are key parts of Sevilla’s defence, and while not possessing the vigour of Jordi Alba moving into attack, Moreno is well balanced and can be impressive with the ball at his feet and whipping in a cross. 

It’s midfield where the majority of problems have arisen for Sevilla and continue to give Emery a headache. The subject of Ivan Rakitic’s position, in particular, is causing more strife than any other. The Croatian is the best player at the club but Emery’s positioning of Rakitic in a deep midfield role has negated Sevilla’s progress for many. Emery wishes Rakitic to dictate and feels he can best do that from a deeper position, but in and around the penalty area is where he’s done most damage in recent seasons. 

As Gary Medel and Geoffrey Kondogbia played the screener and box-to-box roles respectively last season, Rakitic was given license to roam ahead from an interior role or as an attacking midfielder. A winner at the weekend against Almería was due to a late dart into the penalty area, something he only did when Emery switched around the midfield and brought in a double pivot. With 2.6 key passes per game Rakitic is creating the most at Sevilla, while his 3.1 accurate crosses per game are the most in La Liga. His 2 assists and 4 goals are both the joint most at the club. The Croatian is central to the team and how they go forward this season, so making the most of his strengths is the best course of action for Emery. 

Behind him, another debate lies in which pair should make up defensive midfield. Vicente Iborra was brought in having been one of the most underrated, consistent performers in La Liga with Levante over recent years. His power, strength and ability to force himself through defence, midfield and attack alleviate the pressure from Kondogbia’s loss. Stephane Mbia was brought in to break up play and he’s done exactly that, making 2.3 tackles and the same number of interceptions per game. With Emery needing an organiser though, it seems Sebastián Cristóforo is the best fit. 

The performances of the Uruguayan youngster have been immaculate since joining the club and he hasn’t disappointed when handed a chance, as shown when he imposed himself at the weekend with his strength but also technique. Cristóforo’s a versatile character who can put his foot in and tackle, but also pick apart a midfield with his vision and quality on the ball. In other words, he can do what Emery wants from Rakitic in that deeper role.

Then there is the attack, and in particular replacing the goal threat of Negredo and Navas. Sevilla are shooting on goal an average of 13.9 times per game, 5th most in La Liga, and perhaps some fine tuning of their 4.4 shots on target per game could improve things.

Carlos Bacca and Kevin Gameiro were brought in to address Negredo’s loss, a pair of bulls in terms of their physical, mobile attributes. The pair have notched 6 goals between them in the league, while another 2 came in European competition. It’s certainly Gameiro who has settled better though, linking up well with his supporting cast. The Frenchman has made 1.1 key passes per game thus far, managing a single assist to go with his 4 goals. Bacca seems more of a direct option for Unai Emery, when games are tight and he needs a figurehead in attack to aim for. Associative play wise, he’s looked out of sync and unable to drum up any kind of link with his teammates.

Replacing Jesús Navas was the task no one wanted, but early signs suggest Sevilla found themselves a gem in Jairo. At just 20 years of age there are kinks to iron out in his game but his youthful exuberance is fantastic to watch. Individually he’s capable of the spectacular with his close control, pace and ability to turn a defender inside-out. Remind you of someone? Given regular games and a lack of pressure to perform he might just progress into a star like Navas.

Although concerns remain, it’s essential this young, hungry Sevilla team is allowed to develop together and with Emery leading them. The individual quality, squad depth and character shown against Barcelona at Camp Nou all point towards positives that should be a platform to any future success.

Tell us in the comments below what you think of this suggested Sevilla XI: Beto; Moreno, Cala, Pareja, Figueras; Iborra, Cristóforo; Perotti, Rakitic, Jairo; Gameiro