One of the most prominent media outlets in Spain has made a worrying claim about a Tottenham Hotspur striker.
Any elite European club, in addition to focusing on immediate performance and results, is also constantly planning for the future.
That’s why it’s worth paying attention to the progress and performances of players out on loan, especially those who are young and have high growth potential.
Such is the case with Alejo Veliz, a 21-year-old Argentine striker currently on loan at RCD Espanyol, about whom the Spanish press has recently made a concerning claim.
Media outlet makes worrying claim about Tottenham player
Alejo Veliz’s loan spell at Espanyol has taken an unfortunate turn, as the young striker finds himself struggling to adapt to life in Spain.
After initially showing promise, the 21-year-old on loan from Tottenham has seen his form dip, sparking concerns in both Spain and England about his development.
Veliz has started eight of Espanyol’s first ten league matches this season but has only managed to score once, according to Transfermarkt.
This lack of output isn’t entirely on him, though. Espanyol, newly promoted to La Liga, are having a tough time adjusting to the top flight. They’ve lost four of their last five matches, leaving them in 15th place and flirting with the relegation zone.
The Spanish press, particularly AS (h/t Sport Witness), suggests that Veliz’s struggles are symptomatic of wider problems at the Catalan club.
Manager Manolo Gonzalez has been unable to get the best out of his young players, with the Argentine striker bearing the brunt of a disjointed attack. The team’s lack of creativity has forced Veliz to feed off scraps, limiting his opportunities to show what he can do in front of goal.
A recent thrashing at the hands of Athletic Club highlighted Espanyol’s issues. The 4-1 defeat at San Mames saw the away side pinned back for most of the game, with Veliz unable to make any significant impact.
During his 49 minutes on the pitch, his average position was in his own half, far from where a striker should be doing damage. According to reports, Veliz had no shots and completed just four passes during that time, a reflection of how little service he received.
While it’s easy to point the finger at Veliz for his lack of goals, it’s clear that the problem runs deeper. Espanyol are failing to play to the Argentine’s strengths, leaving him isolated and having to do much of his work far away from the opposition’s goal. For a striker known for his ability to finish, this is a worrying trend.
There is still time for both player and club to turn things around. If Gonzalez can find a way to unlock the team’s attacking potential, Veliz could yet shine.