Enrique Gets Out His Horns!
Last updated : 10 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
We want commitment, and we want skill. Give us that and he will become a hero. But we have had too many defenders playing like "bulls" in recent years, and not for the benefit of the team.
Nikos Dabizas (pictured) probably given away more penalties than any other Newcastle player in the club's history for using muscle power rather than his IQ, and Titus Bramble was always one for brawn ahead of brain.
So I hope this has been pointed out to the youngster. The Premiership is a football league ... not the Valencia bull ring.
The Spanish defender signed a five-year deal at St James' Park this week after a £6.3million fee was agreed with Villarreal and he is determined to live up to his nickname of The Bull.
Jose Enrique: "I'll get stuck in where others might not and I know supporters will love the way I play.
"I'm well suited to the English game and I'll play like my nickname suggests - like a bull.
"This is a unique opportunity for me. I wanted to leave Villarreal because this is a massive opportunity for me and luckily it was also good business for the club.
"Newcastle were the only team to put in a hard offer for me and although I don't have much experience of the English game, Newcastle look as if they have a good team."
1998/2003 N.Dabizas 161/13 14
Greek international central defender who made a huge impact when he first arrived. At times his enthusiasm got the better of him and he did give away a lot of penalties.
Fell out of favour with Gullit, but blossomed once again under Robson.
Had a patchy season in 2002/3 and threatened to move on unless he was given a regular place. It was also the first season since he arrived that he didn't score a goal.
Joined Leicester City, saw them relegated the same season.