Being tipped for a mid table finish, having a small and relatively unknown squad, installing a new manager before the campaign kicked off, yet still being three points clear at the top of the table, it’s certainly been an incredible journey for Arsenal’s link club, UD Salamanca.
The Union have just one loan Gunner in their ranks after Håvard Nordtveit opted to return to London early, but for the remaining prospect – Pedro Botelho – things are going from good, to great. True, he has had some tricky times this year, especially after a clumsy handball in the final moments at Alaves cost Salamanca two points, but his role from the bench in recent weeks has been pivotal.
Offering pace, energy, tenacity, and a big presence in the box, the 18-year-old Brazilian is making a difference as UDS sit pretty – three points clear at the top of the Segunda pile. Pedro’s game time has grown considerably in the last two weeks, due to an injury to Sito Castro. He was tipped to show off his new pink boots against Elche this afternoon, but Castro recovered sufficiently to start.
Salamanca started nervously against a relegation threatened Elche, they were almost expecting to brush aside such a lowly outfit. On the contrary, as the half hour mark approached, Elche had their visitors on the rack.
Stephen Cohen failed to ease some of the pressure with a missed penalty, as things were going against David Armaral’s men. Gorka Azkorra missed two sitters either side of the break, and it seemed the script was written for a boring draw.
However, Elche had ideas of a different nature. Not content with respecting the form and position of Salamanca, they kicked on, and compounded the misery. On 55 minutes Nino lashed his side into the lead, before an injury to defensive rock Catala saw the emergence of Botelho with 15 minutes left.
Whilst the Brazilian was still settling in, Torrijos doubled Elche’s advantage, and Cristian Bustos was dismissed for a red card offence. But title winners are made of strong stuff, and when Botelho fed Martin, the legendary winger was clipped over, meaning a UDS penalty. It was converted, 2-1, game on.
Incredibly, with four minutes on the clock Elche found enough in the tank to push themselves over the finish line. Saul was the man who scored, much to the dejection of the visiting crowd.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Could he do a job on the left wing or is he primarily a defender?
I’ve always prefered him on the left wing, because of his pace, skills and powerful shot. But i reckon he will be used more of a left back here, as he is tall.
just a random question…have barazite and Hoyte signed extensions to thier contract? i know Ogogo,Rodgers,Steer and Fonte are out of contract this summer and i know Randall, Gibbs, Merida have signed extensions. cheers
Do you watch the match or does someone tell you all this??
Yeh , Barazite and Simpson and Hoyte contracts are all expiring
Pedro looks like he is wanted to be used as a left back but if his defensive game is found out may become like Traore. I think he should persevere at LB (Traore). Pedro has also played central midfield before if I’m not wrong and there is a clip of him running the whole length of the pitch he looked a bit like Kaka. Obviously that is a unlikely similarity but I think it may be worth a try as full backs are usually more able to move to CM, but not all the time.