Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose…Jose…Jose! Enrique lifts Toon award.
Posted on December 18th, 2009 | 98 Comments |
Undeniably one of our better Spanish imports in recent years when compared to Marcelino and Xisco, Enrique has continued to progress since his arrival and quickly become a firm favourite amongst the fans. Despite some initial concerns about his weight (i.e. he was a little on the heavy side) and what that meant for his movement, and the fact that he has hearts in mouths at times at the back, he’s quickly become one of our most effective players. And this season he has improved ten-fold in terms of fitness and overall influence on games.
That fact is all the more impressive considering he’s doing it from left-back, and he combines defensive duties with the ability to get at the opposition from deep positions brilliantly. In fact, he’s arguably one of our better attackers, as he worries their defence as much as, if not more, than anybody in the team with the ball at his feet. Occasionally, he can try to be too clever in keeping the ball in tight areas, particularly in our third, but normally his ability, strength and pace get him out of trouble.
And the fans are not the only ones impressed with Enrique’s displays, and gaffer Chris Hughton had this to say:
“The award is thoroughly deserved,”
“Not only has he been outstanding during the past month but he has been excellent all season.
“He’s a very good, strong defender and very few can go close to getting past him.
“But he’s also chipping in with a few assists recently and I’m sure his first goal won’t be too far away.
“He’s into his third season at the club now and has really settled down and showed his real quality.
“He’s got a good understanding with Jonas Gutierrez down the left flank and we’re delighted with his performances right now.”
I know the one thing that the fans would love to see for all his endeavours, and that’s for Jose to break the net one of these days. And what better way to celebrate his award and break his duck with a goal in the Tyne-Tees derby?
realy like enrique he could end up being real class