Some notes on Spurs loanee Samuel Shashoua’s performance against Conquense:

Spurs loanee Samuel Shashoua was in action once again for his parent club Atlético Baleares on Saturday afternoon, when they traveled to the Spanish region of Castillo-La Mancha to take on Conquense. Samuel completed 83 minutes of Atlético Baleares‘ 1-0 win over Conquense yesterday afternoon, that win was only Atlético’s second away win of the season. However, it would ensure that Manix Mandiola’s side went to the top of the Spanish Segunda Division B group III for the first time this season. Once again Shashoua started the game out on the left wing as the ‘ Balearicos ‘ lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation. It didn’t take long before Samuel managed to find the back of the net courtesy of a smart finish around the goalkeeper however, the 19 year old was ruled out for offside. After latching onto Francesc Fullana’s through ball down the left side of the Conquense penalty area, Shashoua managed to go around Conquense’s outrushing goalkeeper before then squeezing the ball home  from a tight angle. From the resulting television replay it was clear that Samuel had been in an offside position when Fullana had made the pass. After a fairly slow start to the game winger Canario saw his low cross from the right flank deflect onto the crossbar. Samuel had made a good run into the middle of the penalty area and he must of questioned why Canario didn’t try and cut the ball back to him. Samuel was having to create his own space out on the left flank during the opening stages of the game, as the Conquense defenders were defending so tightly against him After playing a quick one two with Yelko, Shashoua darted towards the Conquense penalty area however, he was fouled from behind by Jon Vega right on the edge of the area. What could well have been a red card was only a yellow, and Atlético had to settle for a free kick, much to Samuel’s disappointment. The teenagers next involvement in the game came after he received Francesc Fullana’s short corner on the edge of the penalty area, Samuel steadied himself before firing an effort on goal, which was headed behind for a corner kick by Conquense forward Aguilera.

A couple of minutes later Samuel was almost played through on goal by Yelko but, Conquense defender Maxi managed to cut the pass out. Samuel had been tracking back well after him throughout the first half and he was also making some good runs both in and behind the Conquense defence. Atlético Baleares took the lead right on the stroke of halftime after Peris received Canario’s pass just inside the oppositions penalty area, before curling a wonderful effort into the top left hand corner of the goal. Right at the beginning of the second half Shashoua went on a good mazy run down the left flank before then laying the ball off to Canario who fired an effort well wide of Marqueta’s goal. A couple of minutes later he whipped a dangerous cross into the box, but it had too much power on it, and it ended up going out for a goal kick. After a quiet spell in the game Shashoua looked to get more involved in the game as it entered the final stages. After the teenager had received Yelko’s pass out on the left wing he managed to successfully go around Conquense right back Marquez with a sublime bit of skill before darting forward down the flank. Shashoua then played a quick one two with Fullana who flicked the ball into the penalty area. Samuel raced to meet it however, Conquense defender Jon Vega managed to come across Samuel inside the box to block his resulting effort on goal. That was to be Samuel’s final piece of action from the game as he was replaced by Adrian Hernandez shortly afterwards. This was a hugely impressive win for Samuel’s parent club who battled hard to break down a very strong Conquense defence. Shashoua’s relentless pressing, intelligent movement and ability to create space for himself played a big part in helping Atlético to record only their second away win of the season. The Conquense defenders really focused their attentions onto Shashoua on the left flank. He was constantly fouled throughout the match but he never let that get to him, and he managed to put in another very good performance for the high flying club from Mallorca. Up next for Atlético Baleares is a home league game against Barcelona B, next Sunday morning at the Son Malferit.

Samuel Shashoua for Atlético Baleares this season: 

Appearances: 22

Goals: 4

Assists: 2