Sevilla’s Munir El Haddadi: Super-Sub Striker Seeks Starting Role Amid Injury Crisis

Lopetegui could regret not playing Munir El Haddadi in the upcoming matches, especially in the absence of Youssef En-Nesyri, who is injured and forced to rest for a few weeks. The Moroccan striker is in great form this season and has demonstrated it with his six goals in the Spanish championship as a substitute, or one goal every 56 minutes.

To read: Sevilla’s Munir El Haddadi Faces Uncertain Future as Playing Time Dwindles

Munir has proven his efficiency and importance, even without being a starter. He has scored goals against Villarreal, Leganés and Atlético, just after his return from confinement, and against Cádiz, Celta and Getafe last season, before being relegated to the bench in the following matches. The Moroccan international has played 44 minutes during the seven matches Seville has played and only 16 seconds in the Champions League.

Since June 2020, Munir has scored five goals in 483 minutes as a substitute, becoming the most efficient substitute in the entire La Liga, after Borja Iglesias (5 goals in 438 minutes), and ahead of Soldado, Roberto Torres, Manu Vallejo and Juanmi Jiménez (4 goals in 400 minutes) and Vallejo (4 goals in 374 minutes).

To read: Sevilla’s Munir El Haddadi Seeks La Liga Transfer Amid Premier League Interest

"The most important thing for me is to be here, to succeed and to work to turn the situation around. I think I’m on the right track," said the striker, optimistically. And he added: "The coach has to make difficult decisions because we are 25 players and it’s complicated for him." For his part, Lopetegui intends to take advantage of Munir’s performances. "The season has just started and everyone must be prepared. Munir is working well and it’s sure that he will be useful to us," he assured before the match against Wolfsburg.