Sevilla FC has compiled 13 points from its opening seven matches of the La Liga season, anchored by a defensive overhaul implemented by manager Luis García Plaza. Despite a busy summer transfer window that reshaped the squad, the team’s defensive resilience relies on a core group of familiar faces and targeted additions.
Defensive Stability Drives Early Success
The club’s early-season run features four victories in seven matches, built primarily on defensive discipline. García Plaza emphasized limiting danger in the defensive third and transitioning quickly upon winning possession. The team has conceded fewer goals compared to the stretch run of the previous campaign, providing a stable foundation for the squad’s 13 points.
Central defenders Castrín and Kike Salas have formed a reliable partnership, bolstered by the integration of defensive reinforcements. Together, the center-back pairing has secured the team’s only two clean sheets of the current campaign. Goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos provides additional security between the posts, rounding out a defensive unit that accumulates the highest minute totals on the squad.
Midfield Control and Ball Recovery
In front of the back line, defensive midfielder Agoumé has emerged as a central figure in García Plaza’s system. The French midfielder has featured in all seven matches, recording 39 total ball recoveries—averaging 5.7 recoveries per 90 minutes—which places him among the most prolific ball-winners in La Liga.
The midfield underwent significant restructuring during the summer transfer window following the departures of Nemanja Gudelj, Joan Jordán, and Manu Mendy. Replacements Guridi, Giorgi Kochorashvili, and Cheick Oumar Fofana arrived to reinforce the center of the pitch. Against FC Barcelona, a midfield trio composed of Agoumé, Fofana, and Kochorashvili dictated play during a strong first-half performance.
Fullback Contributions and Flank Support
Defensive solidity extends to the wide areas, where left-back Gabriel Suazo has improved his output with defensive support from winger Félix Correia. Correia’s tracking back allows Suazo to contribute more effectively in the attacking half. On the right side, summer signing Juan Iglesias has claimed the starting role, addressing a position of concern from previous seasons and logging heavy minutes under García Plaza.
Offensive Distribution and Final Third Challenges
While the defensive structure functions reliably, Sevilla continues to refine its attacking execution. The team’s 10 goals have been distributed among eight different players, with Miguel Sierra scoring twice. Although the squad generates scoring opportunities through vertical play and transition moments following defensive recoveries, finishing remains an area for improvement as the season progresses.
Keep reading
