Real Sociedad attacker focused on proving his doubters wrong

Real Sociedad attacker Adnan Januzaj is determined to shake off his critics with consistent performances in the Spanish La Liga.


The Belgium international joined the Basque outfit from Manchester United on a permanent deal in the summer.

The 22-year-old was regarded as one of the most promising youth talents in world football after making his breakthrough under David Moyes at Old Trafford in the 2013/14 season. However, the attacker failed to impress Moyes' successors Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho and eventually sealed a permanent move to Sociedad in July.

A knee problem has hampered Januzaj's progress in his early days in Spain, but the forward is eager to prove his doubters wrong after his United disappointment, he told the Independent: "These are the people that don't know anything about football. I don't care, I keep working hard. You can only go in one direction and that is to shut those people up. Once you do it, they will look ridiculous. It will feel amazing. I want to show these people that if they want to talk badly of me, I'll show them. It's a challenge for me, I don't mind. They can say whatever, I know that it is not true."

Real Sociedad had made a strong start to their season with three victories in their opening three games, but they have since stumbled with just a draw from their next four outings. As a result, the Basque club are placed eighth in the league standings, 11 points adrift of leaders Barcelona, who hold a 100 percent record.

Eusebio Sacristan's side face Alaves following the international break, and they will be hoping to get back to winning ways in order to propel to the European qualifications spot. Sociedad have conceded least three goals in the last four La Liga matches, and their defensive record is in need of improvement in the coming months.