Why Umar Sadiq's physical limitations stand against him under Peseiro

While Peseiro would undoubtedly be delighted to record his first Super Eagles win in such a crucial game against Sierra Leone, the Portuguese has a lot to ponder about going into the future.

One of his worries would be the form of Almeria's striker Umar Sadiq. He was largely anonymous playing alongside Victor Osimhen at the focal point of the attack.

His hold-up play, pressure application and movements were all off.

In short, Sadiq Umar had a bad game for the Super Eagles but going back to Almeria, he scores a large number of goals and it is surprising why this is happening to the young striker.

However, it is not a coincidence that Sadiq Umar underperformed in the National team.

Peseiro mainly deploys a two-striker system. Both strikers need to be extremely physical but the top point man needs to focus on exploiting space between the opposition centre-backs to look for goals. This, Osimhen does.

However, the second striker needs to be more technical. He needs to run the channels and be nimble on the ball. He acts as an extra midfielder, an extra winger and an extra striker.

This role requires a lot of running and great control and it is as hard as it can get when it comes to international games where it is more physical.

This stands against Umar in so many ways. His low agility with a little stamina on the ball makes him vulnerable in turning over possession.

In the Spanish La-Liga 2, there is a low rate of physical intensity in each match.

Sadiq needs to improve his physical abilities or it will make him a pressing target for opponents who will aim to bully him off the ball.

Peseiro is still new to the Super Eagles job and cannot afford to carry a passenger or alter his tactics to suit Umar's physical limitations.

As such, the Almeria striker needs to bulk up or fly under the radar of Peseiro's new team.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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