Umaru Konare surprises everyone at Elche

Elche C.F.

The pre-season of Elche has found an unexpected star in the area. The Ilicitano attacker has responded with goals every time he has had minutes, positioning himself as the club's top scorer in this summer phase.

His most recent showing only reinforced that feeling. Konare scored two goals against Córdoba and prevented Elche from ending up beaten in the final moments. He had already celebrated goals against Kaizer Chiefs and Al Ain, a run that has allowed him to reach the four goals this summer.

The context has also helped his emergence. Elche began pre-season with a forward line very different from the previous season after the departures of Álvaro Rodríguez, André Silva and Rafa Mir. To that situation was added the injury of Adam Boayar, which opened up space in attack while the club continued working on new signings.

Fer Niño raises the bar in attack

0

Fernando Niño
1.770.000€+110.000€    -

J1

DL

00

The arrival of Fer Niño strengthens the offensive unit and increases the demand, but Konare keeps a cautious line. The forward does not see the signing as a direct threat and points out that his place is still with the B team. "It's not competition, it's a first-team signing. Mine is the Ilicitano and for whatever they need me for, I'll be there because it's a dream to play in LaLiga", he said after the match against Córdoba.

That naturalness also showed when he assessed his brace. "I'm very happy with the two goals and now, keep working. For me, being here is a reward, so I go out there to fight for everything", explained the youth player, who is making the most of the coaching staff's trust without changing his roadmap.

On the pitch, his mobility, his pressing on defenders and his presence in the box have caught Anselmi's attention. Konare also highlighted the treatment he has received from the coach and the dressing room: "I feel comfortable with Anselmi and with the team-mates. The B-team guys are treated very well and they've told us not to be embarrassed".

The step up in pace has been one of the biggest differences for the forward. "I'm living a dream, it's unbelievable. At the start it was hard for me to adapt to the tempo, the ball is flying, but little by little I'm getting into the level, even though I still have a lot to learn", he admitted.

With a contract at the Ilicitano, Konare has made the most of an opportunity opened up by the first team's needs. His four goals have made him Elche's top scorer in pre-season, with Fer Niño already on board and the transfer market still open.