There were many questions posed in the role that Papu Gómez could play in this Seville. But the Argentine is minimizing many of them. He took a growing role in the current drawing of Julen Lopetegui and even handed over weapons that were not present in the Nervion team. Against Granada it was devastating and almost unpredictable coming from behind. He caused a penalty and assisted Ocampos in the 2-0. A whole repertoire of tools made available to his coach, who finally found that piece that can improvise more football in three quarters. He accompanied Rakitic, but Lopetegui knows that his appearances can be lethal in various areas of the field.
In Nervión they yearn for a player who delivers some of the qualities that Banega left on the field of play during so many seasons. Papu Gómez is not entirely similar to his compatriot, but his football did provide different solutions to Lopetegui's puzzle. He breaks lines without the ball, he has the option of shooting from any position and does not hesitate to risk finding spaces without being predictable. His game against Granada showed the way of what Lopetegui wants from him and now it seems vital as a piece of creation in his scheme.
LaLiga Santander
* Data updated as of May 1, 2021
The coach did not give the starting jersey to almost any of his creative pieces during the season. Papu fights with Rakitic, Jordán, Óscar, Óliver Torres and even Franco Vázquez when it comes to gaining a place in Sevilla's starting team. For now, he stopped being an express leader in Nervión. He needed little to adapt to Lopetegui's physical demands and also to master many contexts of his team's game. With a view to the decisive moment of this league championship, Lopetegui already has an unpredictable weapon at his disposal.