Almería's Samba and Strategy: Thalys Joins the Party

In the sun-drenched fields of Anexo, where the grass is as green as Kermit's complexion, UD Almería rolled back into training on September 2, dazzling like a disco ball in the late summer sun. With a new samba beat added to their rhythm, courtesy of Brazilian forward Thalys, the squad was a picture of focus and determination. Thalys, whose contract stretches longer than a binge-worthy Netflix series, is set to strut his stuff with Almería until June 2031. If his footwork is as magical as his signing suggests, fans might just start calling him the 'Harry Styles of football'—always trending, always mesmerizing.

While Thalys was unpacking his Brazilian flair, another star was making a comeback worthy of a Hollywood script. Baba, the midfield maestro, returned to full training after a nine-month hiatus due to injury. Think of Baba as the Iron Man of Almería—resilient and ready to power up the midfield with his rejuvenated skills. His return adds a vital piece to the puzzle, as Almería gears up to face the league leaders, Real Racing Club de Santander—a fixture that promises more drama than a reality TV reunion.

Meanwhile, international duties called for some of the squad's jet-setting players. Soko was off representing Cameroon, while young guns Dzodic and Perovic were showcasing their talents with Serbia U21 and Montenegro U21, respectively. Back at home, Assistant Coach Jaume Torras was the maestro of the training session, stepping in for Head Coach Rubi, who was busy mingling with the who's who of Primera and Segunda División in Madrid. With Rubi away, Torras directed a series of intense training sessions throughout the week, each session more critical than a season finale cliffhanger.

The training ground was a hive of activity, not just for the squad but also for those on the mend. Nelson Monte and Bruno Iribarne were spotted doing their best Rocky Balboa impressions, engaging in individual recovery sessions. Monte even advanced to some grass-bound ball work, hinting at a return that could be as thrilling as a Marvel post-credit scene.

With five training sessions on the docket, UD Almería is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to maintain their competitive edge. The summer transfer window may have closed, but the doors to ambition and opportunity remain wide open, welcoming the fresh talents and recovered warriors who are ready to take on the league's challenges.