Manchester United signed highly-rated left-back Alex Telles from Porto in 2020. Telles’ performances throughout his football career have earned him eight Brazil caps, and he has been included in Tite’s squad for the World Cup which got underway at the weekend.
The Brazilian struggled for a place in United’s starting line-up in the 2020/21 season as Luke Shaw, Telles’ rival for United’s left-back spot, was in the form of his life. Shaw’s most impressive season to date climaxed when he scored in the belated Euro 2020 final for England against Italy and the England international will be hoping to repeat that form during the World Cup in Qatar.
But for Alex Telles, who played 21 times in the Premier League for United during the 2021/22 season, the World Cup offers an opportunity for some much-needed escapism. The introduction of new signing Tyrell Malacia in the summer led to Telles being loaned out to La Liga outfit Sevilla, and things haven't exactly gone to plan for the Brazil international during his time in Spain so far.
READ MORE: Alex Telles is on loan at Sevilla who are flirting with the La Liga relegation zone
Sevilla have enjoyed some of their glory years in recent times, having won four Europa League titles in the last eight years as well as finishing in fourth place in each of the last three La Liga seasons. However, this campaign has been nothing short of a disaster so far and they find themselves in the relegation zone going into the World Cup break.
Just two victories all season, and none since October 15 have left Sevilla sitting in 18th place on just 11 points after 14 games. Their goal difference of -9 is also a major concern. Sevilla’s poor start to the season cost new Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui his job, and there has been a lack of improvement since Jorge Sampaoli was handed the reins.
Unfortunately, Alex Telles has not done much to help the desperate situation at Sevilla and his statistics make for grim reading. Once renowned for his attacking contributions, the Brazilian hasn’t scored this campaign, and he also only has two assists in La Liga this season. Furthermore, in only seven starts in the league this season, Telles has managed to pick up four bookings.
According to Fotmob’s statistics, Alex Telles has won just five tackles in La Liga this season, and he has delivered just 17 successful crosses which means that just 30% of his crossing attempts have been successful.
Telles and his Sevilla teammates may have to turn around their form at the earliest possible opportunity when they face fellow strugglers Celta Vigo on New Year's Eve in order to avoid being part of a relegation scrap.
But with Brazil, Telles undoubtedly has a big opportunity to lift the World Cup trophy and, having started the last two games for his country, he should even feature quite heavily. It means Telles can now use the chance he's been handed in Qatar to forget his struggles at club level in recent months - for the time being at least.
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