If there’s been a better performance in European competition this season, then we’re yet to see it. The only downside was that Luis Sinisterra’s magical display in Feyenoord’s 5-2 thrashing of Partizan Belgrade earlier this month came in the UEFA Conference League.
It deserves to be witnessed by a wider audience. And Sinisterra, with all due respect to one of the most historic institutions on Dutch football, deserves a bigger stage upon which show off his thespian talents.
Sinisterra’s night began with an assist. Midway through the first half, he helped cancel out Partizan’s early opener, setting up Jens Toornstra’s equaliser.
If his first assist of the night was of the ‘straight-forward’ variety, a snappy sidewards pass, then his second was anything but, controlling an awkward ball and volleying a picture perfect chip over the home defence.
Then, he skipped past no less than four defenders as Feyenoord went ahead for the first time in the tie, laying the foundations for Lutsharel Geertruider’s thunderbolt. But, on 71 minutes, Sinisterra ensured that his performance – perhaps the best of his Feyenoord career – would be remembered not just for a pair of assists.
One touch was all he needed to bring the ball under his spell before lashing a 25-yard volley into the top corner.
Are Leverkusen preparing for Moussa Diaby’s sale?
Moussa Diaby won’t be an easy man to replace. But, on the evidence of that Thursday night in Belgrade, Bayer Leverkusen could do a lot worse than Luis Sinisterra.
According to The Mail, Newcastle United could make a £50 million move for the jet-heeled France international. Diaby, who’s devastating dribbling skills have earned comparisons with one Lionel Messi, is also a summer target for an Arsenal side crying out for some added depth in the final third (Sport1).
Leverkusen have expressed their desire to retain Diaby’s services. He’s contributed 16 goals and nine assists across all competitions after all. But the 2001 Champions League finalists have a track record when it comes to cashing in on star players.
It was Leon Bailey last year. Kai Havertz in 2020. Before them, Julian Brandt, Bernd Leno, Kevin Kampl and Hakan Calhanoglu.
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No one will be surprised if Diaby is in the next cab off the rank.
And with Corriere dello Sport reporting that Leverkusen are ready to splash out £13 million for Sinisterra, another dazzling winger with an eye for the spectacular, life without Diaby at the Bay Arena is starting to feel like a very realistic possibility.
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