Jan Urban’s men

Polish coach Jan Urban was chosen by Osasuna to take charge of the club for the 2014-15 season. After starring for the club as a player, the former ‘rojillo’ forward faces an important challenge in his big to take the club back up to Liga BBVA. Following the important 2-1 win over Valladolid, Osasuna are looking to continue growing with a win over league leaders Las Palmas; ‘LFP.es, in depth’ analyses Urban’s men line by line.

In Goal
Roberto Santamaría returned to his boyhood club this season and is Jan Urban’s man between the sticks. Despite the fact Asier Riesgo was first choice for the first seven games, the man from Pamplona has started the last 10. He has played 900 minutes, conceded 13 goals and made an impressive 33 saves.

The defence
Jan Urban is having problems at the back given the injuries to Jordan Lotiès and Oier Sanjurjo, while the Pole is also without Javier Flaño against Las Palmas. The right back has played 1043 minutes this season, but was sent off against Valladolid. In that game, Sisi, who started left wing, finished on the right hand side at the back. The versatile midfielder could well find himself there again next time out.

Meanwhile, in the middle Miguel Flaño is another of Urban’s main men, having played 16 games at a total of 1440 minutes. David García partnered him last time out, and with Nikola Vujadinović doubtful, the youngster is likely to continue there. Liassine Cadamuro can also play there, however the Algerian is earmarked to play on the left-hand side.

The Midfield
Raoul Loé, a regular in the side, will start in a defensive capacity. The Frenchman has started 14 times (1247 minutes), played 698 passes (80% success rate) and has made 82 ball recoveries, meaning he is a very useful player to have for Urban. Javad Nekounam, his usual partner in midfield, is a doubt due to a knee injury, meaning Mikel Merino will likely take the Iranian’s place should he not be fit.

Jan Urban has used both the 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 setups in the 17 games this season, and his sides generally tend to have two central midfielders. Therefore, the return of right winger Miguel De las Cuevas is big news for Osasuna given his versatility. Cedrick Mbwati and Kenan Kodro can play on the left, while also slotting in elsewhere.

Roberto Torres plays just off the striker. The academy graduate is one of the figures of the side, but in recent weeks he has found himself out wife.

Up front
There is one only name associated with Osasuna’s attack: Nino. The veteran has started every game this season (1517 minutes) and is the side’s top scorer with six. As if that were not enough, he has also helped the side with other facets of his game, making 50 ball recoveries, 512 passes and notching up three assists.

Should Urban opt for a 4-4-2, Iranian striker Karim Ansarifard tends to partner Nino, and has played eight games thus far.