Aridai optimizes its resources

Few footballers of the current Unión Deportiva Las Palmas have less prominence than Aridai Cabrera. In fact, only seven of his teammates accumulate fewer minutes of play than the attacker from Gran Canaria, many of them with sporadic appearances, perhaps mere reinforcements derived from the subsidiary.

If own Aridai accumulates 397 league minutes on the grass, underneath appear Clau Mendes (372), Athuman (330), Cardona (301), the injured Cedrés (146), Coco (45), Pau Miguélez (28) and Iñaki Elejalde (26). The undisputed leader of such a distinguished classification is Alex Suarez (3010).

Even if he has another season of contract with Las PalmasIt is not that the future, the present is so bad, is flattering to Aridai, who happens to be a well-liked guy in the locker room. Thus, one of his colleagues highlights his work as an animator and a unifier of hope, in his day with Maikel Mesa, in a similar situation a few months ago, of the group of footballers who enjoy less prominence in Pepe Mel's plans.

At the moment, Aridai must settle for the role of party shaker. This is how it happened against Malaga, and it went so well for him. A matter of trust, perhaps. Substitute, like 13 of the 16 games in which he has participated this season, he offered more vigor to his team when, in the 57th minute, he replaced a downcast Pejiño. He was so active, his contribution was so decisive, which served a perfect corner kick to Araujo so that he tied the game when there were barely five minutes left of the 90 total.

Grown up in extreme situations, excellent kicking set pieces, great resource optimizer, It was also decisive in the visit of Leganés to the Gran Canaria Stadium, on January 24. When the game was hotter, with everything to be decided, he insisted on taking the penalty that He ended up giving Las Palmas the final 2-1 in the 86th minute. His pulse did not tremble nor did he obtain any prize beyond the momentary glory, because a few days later, in the visit to Mirandés, he watched the entire game from the bench. Anecdotal, although always well received, it was his Contribution in the 6-1 win against Lugo (He scored the 6th yellow goal).

Since he arrived in Las Palmas shortly before COVID-19 stopped the whole world, his seems like an obstacle course. It was difficult for him to catch up after the inactivity that Mallorca was dragging, and he had to stop in his tracks due to the confinement. And this course cannot have more competition in the yellow attack front, Aridai always so versatile: Jesé, Araujo, Pejiño, Rober, Mujica, Clemente, Cedrés (prior to injury) …

Despite everything, it is impossible to have more elements against it, surrender does not seem like an option in the case of Aridai Cabrera. With nothing to lose, he was one of the best of his team against Malaga in the second half. Like someone who plays sports, yearning for a bit of regularity, impossible at the moment in UD. A new element that adds to the cause of the playoff. Any help is little in the pursuit of impossible dreams.