Guedes proving a rare transfer hit for Real Sociedad
Portuguese winger scores crucial equaliser against Atlético Madrid, continuing impressive form as one of few successful signings for La Real in recent windows.
A diamond in the rough amidst a sea of transfer disappointments, Gonçalo Guedes is finally giving Real Sociedad supporters something to cheer about in the transfer market.
Finding form at last
The Portuguese winger bagged his fourth goal of the La Liga campaign against Atlético Madrid, continuing a rich vein of form that’s seen all his goals come in the last eight matches. After needing time to adapt and get regular minutes under his belt, Guedes is now showing the quality that made him such an exciting prospect in his Valencia days.
Starting under new boss Pellegrino Matarazzo, Guedes looked lively throughout and tested Oblak with a well-struck volley before the Slovenian keeper managed to parry it away. His moment of glory came after the break, when he finished clinically from a Takefusa Kubo cross to cancel out Alexander Sorloth’s opener for the visitors.
Fitness still building
While his quality is evident, Guedes still appears to be working on his match fitness. He’s completed the full 90 minutes just once in his 17 La Liga appearances - away at Alavés - and was substituted in the 72nd minute against Atlético after his equalising heroics.
A rare transfer success story
What makes Guedes stand out even more is the absolute dog’s dinner La Real have made of their transfer business over the past three windows:
- Summer 2023: Carlos Soler showing improvement, but Duje Caleta-Car remains unconvincing and Yangel Herrera has been injured since arriving
- Previous window: Sergio Gómez struggles at left-back, Andri Óskarsson only just returned after four months out, Luka Sucic can’t get minutes, and Javi López is out on loan
- 2022 signings: Zakharyan offers little, Odriozola isn’t in contention, while Becker, Galán, Traoré, André Silva and Tierney have all left San Sebastián
Settling in nicely
Beyond his on-pitch contributions, Guedes has integrated seamlessly into the dressing room. Unlike some foreign arrivals, he’s been fully involved in team dinners and events - a proper team player both on and off the pitch.
For a club that’s had more transfer misses than hits lately, Guedes is proving to be a proper Bobby Dazzler.