Lukebakio brings a certain directness to Sevilla’s play.
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Sevilla is a shadow of the soccer club it once was.
And that was not long ago. In 2023, the Nervión team won a record-extending seventh Europa League, again sprinkling its magic over the continent’s secondary competition. Yet since the previous year, Sevilla has wilted as a force in La Liga, a more accurate barometer for a side’s performance level.
Much of the travails—from making the Champions League to finishing 12th and 14th in the last two campaigns—come down to an identity crisis. Transition is an overused term in sports, but Sevilla has seen senior stars like Ivan Rakitic leave and reshaped squads fail to reach the same heights. Even a returning Sergio Ramos (leaving at the end of last season) and 38-year-old Jesus Navas sticking around haven’t kept the spark alive. A constant turnover of head coaches has only added to an undefined way of playing.
The backdrop is economic problems. Previously steep player wages, struggling to generate commercial revenue (crucial when Sevilla isn’t picking up competition bonuses), and the lasting effects of the pandemic have all played a part. Being financially hamstrung, with Sevilla’s €2,499 ($2,700) the lowest budget in La Liga and the second division, means there are few quick fixes to the on-field issues mentioned.
Del Nido Carrasco has endured some tough times with Sevilla, and some fans want him to leave his … [+] post.
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In March, Sevilla secured a €108 million ($117 million) loan spread over 10 years, somewhat easing the strain. At the top is club president José Maria del Nido Carrasco, the son of ex-incumbent José María del Nido Benavente, and between them is a tense power struggle over who steers the club forward. Not popular among some supporters, Del Nido Carrasco needs a thriving team, as much as money, to pave the road to recovery under his name.
Lukabakio Can Inspire Sevilla
A player who can drive Sevilla forward is Dodi Lukebakio. The Belgian, who arrived at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan from German outfit Hertha Berlin last summer, is the side’s top scorer with five goals this term. As well as enjoying a hot streak, he offers much-needed directness in offensive situations—running at defenders and unleashing fierce shots at goal.
Sevilla head coach García Pimienta says Lukebakio has to be among La Liga’s best in his position (Spanish). The 26-year-old is part of a fresh-thinking Belgium national team setup, and Pimienta—who presided over a clear soccer style in his previous job at Las Palmas—is getting the best from him.
Lukebakio (in red) has found his scoring touch, and will need to keep up his good form to drive … [+] Sevilla higher up the league.
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Sevilla needs more than an in-form Lukebakio to meet its targets, the first being to avoid relegation. But with more top displays, the winger can push Pimienta’s men—now in mid-table—up the league standings. With limited finances, the club needs to make the most of its talents to climb higher and potentially sell them for good money later on. Lukebakio, a neat purchase at €10 million ($11 million), is a blueprint to follow.