Facundo Pellistri thrilled as Alaves avoid relegation

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Facundo Pellistri is celebrating after helping loan side Alaves achieve their objective of avoiding relegation.

Alaves beat Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final opponents Granada 4-2 at the weekend.

This saw them accrue seven points of a possible nine from the last three games, a late end of season surge which has lifted them clear of the relegation zone.

Alaves are 15th, five points clear of the drop zone with one game remaining.

United loanee Pellistri, 19, was delighted to play his part, and sent a message out yesterday celebrating his team’s survival.

Pellistri had a tough start at Alaves, who failed to win a game during February and March.

Injuries have impacted him negatively in recent weeks, restricting him to a bit-part role.

Pellistri played 18 minutes from the bench in Alaves’ victory over Granada, called as the first substitute. He did not have too much time to contribute with his side already leading, helping his side to close out the crucial three points.

The Uruguayan has started four games in total, with seven appearances from the bench, playing 473 minutes. He’s yet to score or assist, but his pace and ability on the counter attack has shown glimpses of his potential.

It would have been unfortunate for Pellistri to end his first season in European football with relegation on his CV, so helping Alaves survive will be a nice confidence booster for the teenager.

How does this impact Pellistri next season?

Alaves’ survival keeps this particular door open for Pellistri to stay a full season on loan in 2021/22.

This may appeal to Pellistri in terms of giving him some stability, on and off the pitch with a coaching staff who know him.

From United’s perspective a loan is the right call, Pellistri isn’t ready to come back and compete for a first team place yet, remaining a work in progress.

What United have to assess, is whether Alaves is the best option. There could be other offers, with clubs able to see how he has adapted in Spain, and it makes sense to wait and see what comes in.

If a club competing at a higher end of their division want Pellistri and can offer him regular football, then they could become a tempting option.

Alaves’ late season success has come with Pellistri only playing a bit-part role, and United will want more for the Uruguayan.

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