Lucas Beltrán, a soldier for the cause at Valencia | OneFootball

According to AS, Sadiq was Valencia’s first-choice striker in summer and again this winter. When the Nigerian could not be signed in September, they turned to Lucas Beltrán, 24, an urgent alternative who has since become central to Corberán’s uplift.

Playing off Hugo Duro, the Argentine underlined his value in the 3-2 win over Espanyol. He constantly found pockets between the lines, linked with midfielders, and supplied Duro for the 1-0.

His perpetual movement unsettled Espanyol’s build-up, increasing Valencia’s chances in duels. The work rate and aggression were as notable as his touch.

He fought 20 individual duels, refused to give up any ball, and showed streetwise craft when it mattered. The intensity did not dip from start to finish.

There was controversy too, as Beltrán won the penalty that sealed the victory despite starting the action at a disadvantage. That appetite for graft helps explain why Corberán values him so highly.

Source: AS