Sevilla manager Matías Almeyda has admitted he remains undecided on whether to hand Chidera Ejuke a starting role or continue deploying the Nigerian winger as an impact substitute ahead of the clash against Deportivo Alaves.

Ejuke, widely regarded as the most effective dribbler in Sevilla’s squad this season, has largely been introduced in the second half of matches. 

The Super Eagles star has struggled for consistent minutes, failing to complete a full 90 minutes in any match across all competitions. 

Additionally, he has not been named in the starting lineup this season since the first-round derby against Real Betis in November 2025.

Speaking during his press conference, as reported by Eldesmarque, Almeyda revealed that the coaching staff has experimented with Ejuke in multiple attacking roles in a bid to maximise his strengths.

"We've tried Ejuke in different positions, both on the left and the right. I think he's a decisive player in one-on-one situations," Almeyda said

Despite praising the former CSKA Moscow forward’s dribbling ability, Almeyda acknowledged the dilemma surrounding his optimal usage.

"And there's always that question of whether it's 90 minutes or just the second half," he suggested. 

Almeyda further described the Super Eagles winger as a “decisive player” capable of producing moments of individual brilliance in the closing stages of matches. 

"Once the game is half decided, it's about creating something extra, like what happened the other day," he noted. 

According to Whoscored, Ejuke is Sevilla's top dribbler,  averaging 2.1 successful take-ons per game, significantly higher than teammates Juanlu Sánchez (0.9), Peque Fernández (0.7) and Rubén Vargas (0.7)

However, his influence has mostly come from the bench. Of the 18 matches he has featured in this season, Ejuke has started only five and appeared 13 times as a substitute.

Notably, both his only goal of the campaign, against Real Oviedo, and his sole assist, which came against FC Barcelona, were recorded after coming off the bench.

Adeyemi Adewale