Constant managerial changes at the Newcastle meant he struggled to establish himself in the first team up until the 2009 season. However when he finally became first choice left back he could do nothing to save the club from relegation at the end of the season and many expected the Spaniard to return to Spain.
Instead Enrique stayed at the club and played an integral part in the Newcastle title-winning side, picking up the Player of the Year award and gaining a place in the PFA Championship team of the season.
His short period in the Championship has developed him as a player adding consistency to already considerable attributes as a Premier League left-back. His return to top-flight was preceded by a season of high-quality performances and he is now regarded as one of the best left backs in the Premier League.
Enrique has reported back to pre-season training at Newcastle this week but he is not expected to be there much longer with Liverpool and Arsenal both in the hunt for a left back before the start of the new season.
Expect ‘El Toro’ to be charging down the wing at another club come August.
The article was written by Aidan McCartney for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
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I think Enrique would be a better signing than Downing – the urgency for a left back is far greater than it is for a left winger especially if he can get forward and get crosses in for his ex team mate. We already have enough players to flood the midfield and wingers tend to weaken the defensive side of the middle four.
Enrique + Mata on the left for some Spanish flair!!!!!
Certainly better than Downing (who isn’t?) but has stated he wants Champions League football. Good going forward, but still takes too many chances at the back.
NOW i would prefer – Mata – RW , Michel Bastos LW and a forward to replace NGOG :S –
SELL- Joe cole,poulsen,jovanovic,Maxi.
and thats it close the transfer market and start training!
go for kolarov and marcelo, they have all the attributes to be our best left back and of course their position are in danger after the arrival of clichy and coentrao in their clubs