Real Sociedad have become synonymous with consistency ever since Imanol Alguacil took charge of the Basque outfit, and last year they were in the Champions League for the first time in a decade, the culmination of years of work between the triumvirate of President Jokin Aperribay, manager Alguacil, and Sporting Director Roberto Olabe. It’s early doors, but La Real have been hurtling back to earth so far this season.
While they have finished in Europe in all five of Alguacil’s full campaigns in charge, this year there might be more doubts about that. If you do fancy La Real to finish outside of the European spots, then it might be worth acquiring a promo code for Unibet. Alguacil’s side currently sit 11th in La Liga after 10 games, with just three wins to their name. While they got a valuable away win at Girona this past weekend, their next five games consist of trips to Sevilla and rivals Athletic Club, with visits from Osasuna, Barcelona and Real Betis.
It is hard to avoid the loss of Robin Le Normand and Mikel Merino as key factors in their drop off so far. The pair were the epitome of consistency, and set the tone for La Real in the middle of the pitch. La Real have conceded just 8 goals, but Le Normand’s passing from the back, and Merino’s ability to win the ball back quickly have been missed going the other way.
Nayef Aguerd and Luka Sucic have been brought in to replace them, but ultimately the biggest issue is one that Alguacil has managed to coach around in recent seasons. The number nine position still has no clear owner. Umar Sadiq did not find an exit, but two years after being made their record signing, seems thoroughly discarded as a potential success at the club.
Orri Oskarsson was brought in for €20m late in the transfer window, but it’s a big ask for him to be their Alexander Isak that they never replaced. Just 20 years of age, Oskarsson has one full senior season under his belt, and is adapting to a vastly different culture. He could be a future star, but Alguacil and La Real will have to be patient.
Olabe and Aperribay have admitted that they might have to go through a transition year this season, and certainly it appears it might be that way. This season they may not have to contend with Girona above them, but Villarreal are coming for a European spot too, while Real Betis are ahead of them despite dealing with injuries. RCD Mallorca and Celta Vigo are also going well, and do not have the complication of European football in midweek.
The Txuri-Urdin will likely be there or there abouts this season, but without Merino and Le Normand, will need Mikel Oyarzabal, Brais Mendez and Takefusa Kubo to return to their former level. Youngsters Jon Aramburu and Benat Turrientes are also promising youngsters, but they will require signings Sergio Gomez, Sucic and Aguerd to contribute too. With the exception of Hamari Traore, who is out for much of the season, Real Sociedad have lost several key players over the last few years without their contribution being replaced.