Carmona's form crisis leaves Almeyda with selection headache
Sevilla's versatile defender José Ángel Carmona has hit a rough patch after a stellar start to the season, presenting a dilemma for manager Matías Almeyda ahead of crucial fixtures.
Sevilla’s homegrown talent José Ángel Carmona finds himself at a crossroads after his early-season brilliance has faded into a concerning dip in form, leaving manager Matías Almeyda with tough decisions to make.
From hero to hot water
Carmona was one of the rare bright spots in Sevilla’s previous campaign, establishing himself in La Liga and topping the interception charts across the competition. After rejecting several summer offers, he began this season in the starting XI and delivered outstanding performances during the first quarter of the campaign, coinciding with Sevilla’s peak form.
However, recent weeks have seen the defender struggle significantly. Against Girona, Almeyda was forced to hook him at half-time following a disastrous first-half display. The manager has publicly backed his player, noting that Carmona “leaves his soul on the pitch” - sometimes perhaps too enthusiastically.
Selection conundrum
The Getafe match presents Almeyda with a proper head-scratcher:
- Juanlu Sánchez is unavailable due to suspension
- César Azpilicueta has been training separately after suffering a concussion against Alavés
- Carmona himself is one yellow card away from missing the crucial Seville derby
These circumstances might force a formation change, though Carmona’s versatility works in his favour as Sevilla showed improved defensive organization in their last outing.
Statistical stalwart
Despite his recent wobbles, Carmona remains Almeyda’s most-used player this season:
- Most appearances in the squad (25)
- Most minutes played (1,956)
- 21 starts to his name
- 1 goal and 3 assists (all in September/October)
- 9 yellow cards in La Liga (most in the team)
The defender’s disciplinary record is becoming problematic, having already served one suspension after accumulating too many bookings earlier in the season.
With the derby on the horizon, Almeyda faces a tough call on whether to risk his jack of all trades or protect him for the bigger battle ahead. It’s a proper pickle for the Sevilla gaffer, no two ways about it.