UEFA Youth League – Sevilla

UEFA Youth League Opponents – Sevilla

Looking forward to tomorrow’s UEFA Youth League tie against Seville and I thought it would be interesting to have a look at our opponents. Will they compare with the Atletico Madrid side we face two years ago, who were a level above us on the day.

On paper they don’t look to be at that level, all players who have played in this season Champions Youth League are Spanish with only two young Senegalese players listed in the squad, but neither have featured. Only four players have represented Spain at youth level.

The Spanish side finished second, a point behind Red Bull Salzburg and a point ahead of Lille in Group G, with Wolfsburg who gained their only point in a 1-1 draw at home to Sevilla, the also rans.

Sevilla gained their points with home wins over Wolfsburg and Salzburg, an away win and home draw with Lille and their only defeat coming away to Salzburg.

It seems pretty likely that the keeper will be 18 year old Alberto Flores who played in all six group games conceding three goals. Another 18 year old Adrian Romero has been the substitute keeper for all six ties.

The Spanish side will be without two defenders who started in all their six group games, Diego Jimenez and Diego Hormigo both picked up three yellow cards in the group games so are suspended for tomorrows tie. Centre of defence should consist of Kike Salas and Dario Benevides. Salas is an overage player who played ever minute in the group stage and is a regular with Sevilla Atletico, the reserve side. His centre back partner Benevides will be a goal threat having scored against Lille and Wolfsburg.

Dario Benevides

The right back role is likely to be filled by Angel Mancheno who only started one group game but has been a regular sub. Sergio Martinez will be favourite for left back having started in a couple of group games, with Carlos Calero providing back up.

Used sparsely in the UEFA Youth League only starting in one game, Juanlu Sanchez could feature. A regular with the reserve side he played in a Copa Del Rey tie and has four minutes La Liga experience coming on against Barcelona in December. He has 11 Spanish youth caps from U16 through to U19.

Juanlu Snachez

Looking sure to start in midfield are Marcello Exposito and Manu Bueno who has been in international youth squads with out playing a game. Both started in every group match with Exposito playing every minute.

Right midfield probable is over age player Antonio Zarzana  has nine youth caps a various levels and is a regular at Champions Youth League and Reserve level. Pablo Rivera has made six substitute appearances in the six games so the bench beckons I think. Antonio Arcos another overage player was capped at U16 and Carlos Alvarez  who has an impressive twenty-three youth caps, are two players who have featured and will push for a starting slot in midfield. More likely to feature from the subs bench are Daniel Liduena, Jose Antonio Lopez and Gonzalo Guzman.

Antonio Zarzana

The striker role looks like a definite and one from two. Overage player Alexandro Fernandez appears a definite starter, having captained the side in all six games scoring once. The choice for his partner is between Diego Rodriguez (one goal from one start and five sub appearances) or Diego Fernandez (two goals from three starts).

Alexandro Fernandez

Should be a good test for the Young ‘Gers and hopefully progress to the last sixteen.