On Saturday afternoon, Manchester United’s Facundo Pellistri made his first appearance for Granada since arriving on a six-month loan.
Facundo Pellistri‘s debut for the relegation-threatened La Liga side didn’t go as planned, however, he played a huge role during his 63 minutes on the field.
Primarily tasked with defensive duties against a side 10 places higher in the league, the Manchester United loanee, did well as his side ground out a 1-1 draw with Las Palmas.
Pellistri joined Granada in the final few days of the transfer window in a bid to get more game time as his chances at United became limited.
Here’s how Pellistri played during his debut for Granada…
How did Facundo Pellistri play for Granada?
Pellistri started his first game for Granada on the right side of the attack as he looked to get his loan off to a fast start. The entire game plan was thrown out the window however as Granada went down to 10 men in the 21st minute.
This turned Pellistri’s job into a primarily defensive one and he impressed at doing this as he managed to earn a 7.1 match rating on FotMob.
The Uruguayan won nine duels in the game while also making seven defensive actions in the game as 10-man Granada looked to nullify Las Palmas.
Granada only had 24% possession and therefore it’s unsurprising that he struggled in possession today although he did complete one dribble.
All-in-all, it was a strong defensive display for Pellistri, but he’s going to need to improve his performances if he hopes to impress Erik ten Hag.
Pellistri will have many frustrating days at Granada
Loaning an exciting winger to Granada seems quite illogical from United given they are in the relegation zone and therefore he won’t get much opportunity to thrive.
On the one hand, you can understand it as it guarantees Pellistri game time but surely he could’ve been loaned to a more possession-orientated side.
Pellistri was starting for United earlier this season so it’s confusing that he’s been sent to a side who aren’t doing well, especially when top Championship sides would definitely have taken him.
So we will have to bear that in mind if he struggles to shine here, although, with a run of games, we imagine he will show his talent which he clearly has.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/Gz1Ld7e