Attack is the way forward for Eusebio's Real Sociedad

As the old adage goes, every cloud has a silver lining. If we were ever in any doubt, one look at Eusebio's experience earlier on this season during his side's clash against R.Sporting would be enough to restore our faith.

After a desperately poor first-half display which saw his side trailing 3-1 at the break, the Real Sociedad coach decided to throw Mikel Oyarzabal on for the second half out on the left flank, to form an attacking trio with Jonathans and Carlos Vela. As an attacking trident they might have had fleeting spells against Valencia CF and RC Deportivo earlier on in the season - amassing to just 20 minutes in total - but this was the first time that the trio were being handed a whole half together.

Eusebio certainly must have seen something that he liked during those 45 minutes at the Molinon because the following matchday, when Real Betis were in town, he included all three in his starting XI. It was Oyarzabal's Liga BBVA bow and the La Real youth graduate hasn't looked back since, becoming a regular fixture in the starting line-up alongside Jonathas and Vela in a Basque side that just keeps on winning.

Along with Barcelona, La Real are the only side to have recorded four wins on the spin
The three forwards have been instrumental in this run, with the trident contributing an average of two goals per game. In addition to having hit on a potent forward line, Eusebio has found his 'Mr.Dependables' throughout the spine of his side: Geronimo Rulli is his keeper, Mikel Gonzalez Martinez his main man at the back and Asier Illarramendi, his undisputed midfield general.
Along with the attacking trio, these three linchpins are the only six players to have been ever- present throughout the four-game winning streak.

Up top Eusebio has shown that he has the options to be able to shuffle his pack without weakening the side, being able to call on big names like Xabi Prieto, Ruben Pardo and Iñigo Martinez, who despite have racked up a lot of playing time this campaign, have not played a major part in this run. The Basque outfit's good run of form has seen several defensive and midfield players establish themselves as mainstays in the side, which has given rise to some healthy competition within the squad.

As for the forward line, it's not to be tampered with.

Within the attacking third, whilst not wishing to take anything away from what Jonathas and Vela bring to the table, Mikel Oyarzababl has been the one who has really caught the eye.

The youth product would seem to have exactly what it takes to go on and make a name for himself in the game. The starlet has an eye for goal - he has netted three since becoming a regular starter - his link-up play is good, he shows a fine understanding of the tactical side of the game and he boasts the physical presence to cause the opposition's backline plenty of problems in the air and when it comes to contesting second balls.

The youngster was the missing part in Eusebio's jigsaw. As a player who is comfortable on the ball he's the perfect fit for La Real's passing game, whilst he has shown that he's certainly not afraid of putting a shift in. 

In the Basque derby, Oyarzabal did a sterling job of regaining possession for his side. Winning the ball back on 10 occasions, he finished the game as his team's top performing player in this department, ahead even of his teammates operating at centre-half and in the middle third.

Having Oyarzabal in this side enables Jonathas to concentrate on what he does best: putting the ball in the back of the net (the Brazilian has now notched four in his last three outings). The presence of the 18-year-old is also bringing out the best in Vela who is revelling in having another forward to link up with and a target man to get on the end of his assists. The Mexican has set up four goals and scored one in the last three games.

As if their scintillating form in the final third wasn't enough, the Basques have also tightened things up at the back, where they've managed to significantly reduce the number of chances per game afforded to the opposition. Indeed, they have kept clean sheets in each of their last three games. For the last time that happened we have to go back to the time when Claudio Bravo was between the sticks for La Real.

One of the big weapons that Eusebio has in his ranks is the option of including Diego Reyes in his midfield for away games. At the RCDE Stadium and San Mames, the loanee provided the team with improved balance and no shortage of muscle, vital ingredients when games are finely balanced.

In view of their fine recent run of form, it's far from surprising to learn that many in San Sebastian are now only looking upwards in the league table and that the Anoeta regulars are starting to dream of seeing their team on the European stage.