Aranda, the 'X-File' Torrecilla Must Solve

Where is Antonio Aranda? Is he injured? Many Hercules fans have been asking these questions for a month. The only person who knows the answer is his main supporter, coach Rubén Torrecilla. The playmaker has only played 16 minutes in the last four league matches, despite being untouchable behind the striker at the start of the season.

Aranda began the season with promise and the confidence of Torrecilla, who referred to him as "one of his boys," just like Bryan Zaragoza, as he had them under his command in Granada's reserve team. Aranda scored his only goal in the league debut against Ceuta and showed signs of being an important player for the new category in the early matches. Quick, with flair, boldness, keeping the ball close to his feet, and making a difference in the final third.

The playmaker did not hesitate this summer when he received Torrecilla's call. He wanted to revive his career after quiet spells at Barcelona B and Lugo, and in Alicante, he had everything in his favour, especially the trust of the Extremaduran coach, who knew him better than anyone. But Aranda has vanished from the equation. His last start was against Atlético de Madrid B, but Torrecilla was not convinced, and he was benched in the 59th minute. Since then, he has disappeared from the scene, except for his presence in the starting eleven in the cup match against Ejea.

In the league, the attacker has surprisingly lost prominence and the coach does not publicly clarify the reasons. Against Villarreal B, he entered the field in the 75th minute, and against Marbella, he came on to waste time in the 91st minute. In contrast, he did not participate in the away matches against Fuenlabrada and Recreativo de Huelva.

Although Torrecilla has not confirmed it, Aranda's absence could be explained by the injury of Mario García, the only defensive midfielder for Hercules. In the absence of the stopper, the coach has always opted for three hardworking midfielders like Mangada, Artiles, and Colomina. Aranda has been the one to suffer, and the team misses his talent in the attacking midfield because Coscia is often too isolated as the offensive reference.

Next Sunday, against Sevilla Atlético, it is likely that the Malaga player will have minutes due to Oriol Soldevila's injury and Nico Espinosa's last-minute doubt. Additionally, Torrecilla is betting on Alvarito as a right-back, opening more opportunities on the wings and in the attacking midfield.