It took less than a minute for Sandro Ramirez to score more goals in the colours of SD Huesca than he managed in three years at Everton.
The La Liga newcomers were 2-1 down and chasing an equaliser when the former Spain U21 star emerged from the bench with 56 minutes on the clock during Sunday’s clash with Real Valladolid.
Talk about a dream debut.
Seconds later, Sandro was wheeling away in celebration after pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area before slamming it high into the net.
“Sandro Ramirez’s debut? He is very talented,” Michel, who has led his well-drilled Huesca side to five draws in six La Liga games since promotion, told EuroCalcioMercato.
“I made my debut with Huesca and, with the first ball that I have to score, I tied the game,” Ramirez, the former Barcelona, Sevilla and Real Sociedad man, told Diario del Alto Aragon at full-time.
“Although I think we deserved the victory and we have to keep thinking about winning the next game,” he added.
If Michel can coax that mercurial talent out of a player who scored 14 La Liga goals for Malaga in 2016/17, Huesca might be here to stay.
That, however, is easier said than done. Sandro hasn’t come close to replicating that exceptional season at the Costa del Sol.
The fact Everton were happy to terminate Sandro’s £100,000-a-week contract just three years after completing what looked at the time like one of their most inspired signings, speaks volumes about the Spaniard’s dramatic fall from grace.
Sandro’s career has seen a number of false dawns. He will know one goal does not make a summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
