Santiago Sandoval’s versatility has allowed him to earn a more prominent role in Gabriel Milito’s system. The 19-year-old attacker has made significant progress in his game, evolving from primarily playing as a winger to becoming a regular option through the middle, whether as a second striker or even as the team’s main attacking reference.
This transformation took another step forward in Guadalajara’s 4-2 victory over Atlante on Matchday 15 of the 2026 Apertura tournament, where the young Rojiblanco was deployed as a false nine and delivered an outstanding performance, scoring twice to become one of the standout players of the match.
Milito’s decision was based on a specific reading of the game. Against an opponent Chivas looked to hurt through movement and runs in behind rather than physical battles between strikers and defenders, Sandoval offered the ideal qualities to occupy that area. His movement between the lines and, especially, his ability to attack the space behind the defensive line proved decisive.
From that position, Santiago was tasked with dropping out of the central attacking area to draw Atlante’s defenders out of their line and force them to step forward and press him. Through these movements, Chivas looked to create space behind the defense, allowing Sandoval to take advantage of two of his greatest strengths: his pace and his ability to recognize the right moment to make runs in behind.
That is how both of his goals came about. The attacker recognized the spaces created by Guadalajara’s collective movements and found the perfect moment to make his runs into the box, proving that his qualities can be just as dangerous when playing in a more central position.
His development is no coincidence. Sandoval has expanded his attacking repertoire and can now provide solutions from different areas of the pitch: out wide, between the lines, alongside a center forward, or as a false nine. His ability to adapt gives Gabriel Milito more options to change the team’s attacking approach without having to alter the characteristics of his players.
In the 2026 Apertura tournament, the 19-year-old has made 12 appearances, nine of them as a starter, totaling 778 minutes. He has also recorded five goals and one assist, contributing directly to a goal every 129 minutes.
Santiago Sandoval is proving that his growth goes beyond the numbers. His ability to read spaces, movement, and understanding of different attacking roles are making him an increasingly complete player, one who continues to find new ways to contribute to the Rebaño Sagrado.
