Sancet's penalty heroics signal Athletic star's return to form
The Navarrese midfielder showed nerves of steel from the spot as Athletic Club secured victory, with the player promising 'the best is yet to come'
Athletic’s Oihan Sancet marked his return to the starting lineup with a match-winning penalty, displaying remarkable confidence after his recovery from a muscle injury.
The Navarrese midfielder didn’t bat an eyelid when stepping up to the spot, despite the opposition goalkeeper’s mind games and Thiago’s attempt to scuff up the penalty spot. Sancet knew exactly what he was doing.
“I knew very well the importance of scoring that penalty,” he admitted after the match, revealing he’d planned all along to go straight down the middle with his strike.
Back with a bang
The penalty conversion was just what the doctor ordered for Sancet, who’s been working through a muscle injury that’s troubled him previously. He’s undergone external treatment to get back to full fitness, and the early signs are promising.
What’s particularly encouraging for Athletic supporters is the player’s own assessment that he’s still got more in the tank. “I’m aware I can still give more,” he noted - music to the ears of the San Mamés faithful.
Eyes on the prize
Rather than getting caught up in table-watching, Sancet is focused purely on accumulating points and climbing as high as possible:
- No looking up or down the table
- Focus on collecting points
- Aim to finish as high as possible
The midfielder’s confidence is through the roof, declaring that he’s “sure the best is yet to come” - both for himself and presumably for Athletic’s season.
With Sancet back in the fold and firing on all cylinders, Athletic look a different proposition. If his prediction about having another gear to find proves accurate, opponents will have their work cut out dealing with this talented playmaker for the remainder of the campaign.