The disappointing hundred minutes of Gonzalo Montiel

11/02/2024

Updated at 2:11 p.m.

One of the biggest setbacks of Sevilla FC This summer it was not giving Gonzalo Montiel a release. The Argentine has contract until 2026but since last year he has not counted for the Nervión club. His high profile, his irregular performance and the occasional problem with the law make him an ‘expendable’ player. In fact, part of the efforts of the Sevilla sports management focused on giving the side an outlet, whether in the form of a loan or transfer. There were several clubs that were interested in his situation, but only PSV Eindhoven went seriously after him. However, the player was not attracted to the Dutch league and the loan deal ended up falling through.

The difficult ones physical conditions of Jesús Navas They opened the door for the Argentine to have a certain role this year on the right side. However, Pimienta decided to count on Jose Angel Carmona as the undisputed starter in this area and replace Navas on the wing. In this way, Montiel had his first start with Sevilla this year against Las Rozas, a third-ranked RFEF rival. The very discreet participation of the Argentine was surprising, as he completed the 90 minutes of play without pain or glory. It was the first time in 16 months that ‘Cachete’ Montiel started as a starter with the Sevilla jersey, since last year he was on loan at Nottingham Forest. Besides, He wore the captain’s armband for a long time after the substitution of Marcao, but not even for that reason did the side decide to take advantage.

Montiel is one of the players with the most experience and cachet in the Sevilla locker room. World and Copa América championthe Argentine team continues to count on him in every Lionel Scaloni call-up. However, in Nervión the player barely accumulates 101 minutes playedwith 90 of them being played against Las Rozas. In total, he has been present in four duels, but in LaLiga they have been residual minutes. Given this attitude, it is not surprising that Sevilla reactivates its exit in whatever format in January. For the club’s accounts it would be a relief, taking into account that it is one of the highest salaries in the squad, and it would also leave a free space for another more necessary profile.