Former Valencia CF striker Miguel Ángel Ferrer Mista has expressed surprise over the club’s decision to hand Sadiq Umar a starting role ahead of Hugo Duro, despite the latter’s goal-scoring contributions this season.

Sadiq, who joined Valencia during the winter transfer window from Real Sociedad, endured a difficult start to the campaign due to limited playing time. 

However, the Nigeria international has since rediscovered his form at Mestalla, scoring twice in two Copa del Rey matches before Valencia’s elimination.

He has also contributed in the league with three goals and three assists in 15 appearances, performances that have earned him a regular place in the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, the Spanish forward has scored ten goals and registered one assist in 36 appearances across all competitions.

Sadiq's emergence has coincided with Hugo Duro’s reduced role, a decision that has raised eyebrows among supporters, including Mista.

Speaking to 'La Banda' on 'À Punt Esports', Mista questioned the tactical shift, noting that Duro had been performing well and remains the team’s leading scorer. 

"First, I don't understand why Hugo Duro has stopped being the main striker," Mista said via Super Deporte. "He's a guy who was doing well, scoring goals; he's the team's top scorer." 

He admitted the coach is best placed to make such decisions but maintained that it is unusual for a consistent goal scorer to lose his starting position.

"It's clear the coach knows better than anyone, but it surprises me that a striker who scores goals has lost his starting spot."

Mista acknowledged Sadiq’s qualities, describing him as a striker who offers a different dimension to Valencia’s attack and has contributed positively since his arrival. 

"Sadiq, on the other hand, is a striker who offers something different, and luckily for Valencia CF, he scores goals," he added. 

Nonetheless, he reiterated his disagreement with Duro’s omission from the starting lineup, emphasizing that in most cases, teams rely on a clearly defined first-choice striker.

"And I'm not a big fan of Hugo Duro; I like what he's shown in difficult situations and when he's not afraid to call things as they are." 

"It must also be said that Sadiq is a good striker, that he's contributing a lot; I have nothing against him, but it's a position where you're usually one or the other, and I disagree with Hugo being dropped from the starting lineup."

As Valencia continue their fight to preserve their La Liga status, Sadiq will be keen to sustain his fine form and justify manager Carlos Corberán’s decision to favour him.

Adeyemi Adewale