'Very committed' - Valencia coach lauds two-goal hero Sadiq after historic game at El Sadar

Although he was unsatisfied with the result, Valencia coach Carlos Corberán praised Umar Sadiq after his brace in a historic game against CA Osasuna in a La Liga encounter at El Sadar on Sunday night.

According to football statisticians Opta, this is the first game at El Sadar with five goals at half-time in La Liga in the 21st century.

Diego López broke the offside trap to give Valencia the lead inside fourteen minutes and the goal was awarded after a VAR review but Aimar Oroz slotted the ball into the net from close range to equalize for Osasuna in the 26th minute. 

Valencia regained their one-goal lead through Sadiq's 32nd-minute strike, but Osasuna went into the break ahead thanks to goals from Aimar Oroz and Ante Budimir.

The Nigeria international salvaged a point for Los Ches with a goal in the 87th minute when he produced a spectacular backheel finish from a cross on the left.

Sadiq has been impressive since landing at Valencia in the January transfer window, so much so that Corberán is considering handing him the number 9 role. 

With Hugo Duro unavailable for selection due to physical issues, Sadiq made a rare league start for Valencia in Sunday's match against Osasuna. 

Speaking to reporters at the post-match press conference, Corberán stated: "He came very committed, with a lot of desire to work and the goals will continue to give him the confidence that he and the team need."

Sadiq has netted four goals in just nine games for Valencia — the same tally he managed in fifty appearances for parent club Real Sociedad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: valenciacf.com

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