Julen Lopetegui has done well to make fans forget about his disappointing stint at Real Madrid. As a result of the 19/20 Europa League success, the Spanish tactician has proven that he can deliver in the big competitions.
Along with the success in Europe, he also managed to deliver a top four finish to the club sealing their place in this season’s Champions League. Let’s take a look at how they will fare this season.
Key Players
- Lucas Ocampos
- Jesus Navas
- Ivan Rakitic
- Diego Carlos
- Jules Kounde
Although he is well into his thirties, captain Jesus Navas is showing no signs of slowing down. Lucas Ocampos is a great young attacker who can provide the offensive output needed for winning matches from the right.
With the incoming signing of Ivan Rakitic, the midfield looks very promising for the six time Europa League winners. The defense is well taken care of by Diego Carlos and Jules Kounde, both of whom were pivotal in the side’s European success.
Winning Points
You can always identify a good side by their defensive record. In the same vein, Sevilla are one of the best teams in La Liga right now as proven by their defensive record last season. They only conceded 34 goals in their 38 league matches, the third lowest behind champions Real Madrid and their local rivals, Atletico Madrid.
Sevilla is a very balanced side that is also a threat going forward. Their performances in the late stages of the Europa League were enough to prove that they can deliver in the big matches.
Challenges
Arguably the biggest challenge this season comes from replacing outgoing transfers. Real Madrid loanee Sergio Reguilon and veteran midfielder Ever Banega will be extremely hard to replace.
Although they were a very defensively solid side last season, their true challenge is replicating the previous season’s record. In addition, they do need the creative spark in midfield to make up for the departing Ever Banega. That is where Oscar Rodriguez, another Real loanee, becomes important.
Transfer Activity
Sevilla has done business in the market already. Ever Banega and Sergio Reguilon have departed the club. It seems like the responsibility of making the plays will fall on the shoulders of incoming loanee Oscar Rodriguez. They have also managed to sign Suso from AC Milan and Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona.
A very vital piece of business in the transfer market that Sevilla must carry out is the signing of a left back. Sergio Reguilon is one of the most promising young left backs in the world right now.
His absence is most certainly to be felt in the defensive part of the club’s game. Sevilla would be wise to add some quality in that position as they only have one left-back in their squad right now, Sergio Escudero.
Predicted Finish: 4th
Riding on their sixth Europa League title victory, Lopetgui’s side looks strong contenders to finish in the top four once again. While they don’t really possess the quality to challenge for the title just yet, another top-four finish would go a long way in providing them with the financial backing and the opportunity to lure much bigger names to the club.
Do check out:
