Manchester United’s banter era may be coming to an end, but we can still reminisce on all the no-name wingers across Europe whose career highlights could be summed up in one match. Pione Sisto is not one of them. After decimating Louis Van Gaal’s Red Army in the Europa League, Celta Vigo secured his signature this summer, in order to satisfy the dearth at right wing which Eduardo Berizzo had spent so long complaining about. Sisto, a player noted for his polyvalence, has added much needed excitement at the Galician club with his buccaneering gallops along the wing, but he has room for improvement. He and Theo Bongonda both started slowly in their quest to replace Nolito, very inefficient in front of goal. However, on September 25, he showed the olívicos why they shelled out so much money for him. While Espanyol was searching for an equalizer, he took the ball from Celta’s own half, left two pericos in the dust, galloped 60 meters across the pitch, fired from behind the box and beat Diego López at his near post to seal a victory for the Galicians. Sisto was voted Celta’s player of the month in September, and scored to defeat the defending Spanish champions at the Balaídos. His form has dropped recently, losing the potent decisiveness of months past. His end product has dried up, but his quality and the threat he poses is still evident.
Photo Credit: Søren Bidstrup