Sevilla boss to copy Chelle template in new role for Akor Adams

Sevilla boss to copy Chelle template in new role for Akor Adams

Sevilla head coach, Matías Almeyda has admitted he is considering a tactical rethink in a bid to squeeze more goals out of Akor Adams.

The Argentine coach is open to moving away from his preferred one-striker system as he looks for ways to get his misfiring Sevilla among the goals again.

Adams has found life challenging since completing a permanent move from Montpellier to the Sánchez-Pizjuán last January.

Before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations in December, the Nigeria forward had managed just three goals and two assists in 14 La Liga appearances, numbers that did little to ease Sevilla’s growing attacking concerns.

Everything changed in Morocco, though. Under Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, Adams was deployed in a 4-4-2 diamond alongside Victor Osimhen, and the results were immediate.

The 24-year-old stretched defences, ran the channels relentlessly and linked superbly with the Galatasaray striker. In just five games, he scored twice, set up two more and had two goals ruled out, helping Nigeria reach the semi-finals before claiming the bronze medal.

That front line was a joy to watch for many observers, including Yaya Toure, and finished the tournament as the most prolific attack with 14 goals.

Adams has carried that confidence back to Spain, marking his return with a brace in Sevilla’s 2-2 draw away at Elche, a result that finally ended the club’s miserable start to 2026.

“It's always good when our striker scores,” Almeyda said as per Mucho Deporte, while referring to Adams.

“Both of them came into the match with renewed energy, fresh from a good run of form, and that shows on a player's face. Akor had the first goal, after hitting the post earlier. The second was a great finish, and he showed commitment by taking the penalty. We might see them together, yes, now or later.”

Sevilla sit 15th in La Liga with just 21 points from 20 matches, having won six, drawn three and lost 11. They were ninth when Adams left for AFCON, but in his absence lost four straight games – three in the league and one in the Copa del Rey – without scoring once.

The draw at Elche was their first point of the year. A much-needed victory over Bilbao could be the first step in a long climb back up the table.