Keegan - Jose Enrique A Mixed Bag

Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 by Ed Harrison· 77 Comments

Kevin Keegan has said he will be bringing another left back to the Tyneside club this summer.

Jose Enrique - a mixed bag

Kevin says he still has lots of faith in Jose Enrique and he’s still only 22 but Kevin says Jose is a mixed bag.

Keegan talked about Jose to the Shields Gazette today:

“It’s a bit of a mixed bag at the moment. The good things are good, and there are things he needs to learn, but he’s still only 22.”“Jose’s already doing some very good things, and his English is improving.”

“He’s young and he’s come into the Premiership. He’s come into a club which has struggled, and that’s always difficult for any player.”

“He’s picking it up now, but I’ve still got to sign another left-back, as I’ve only got one at the club.” “That’s not to say I don’t fancy Jose, I do, but I need another left-back.”

We think Kevin will go for John Arne Riise of Liverpool, and that could mean Riise could also play on the left wing, so both players could be accommodated with Riise ready to fill in at left back should Jose be injured or suffer a loss in form.

But we think the 22 year old Spanish player will only get better under the tutelage of Kevin Keegan and his staff. And his attitude also seems first class.

Comments welcome.

Tags: Newcastle News · Jose Enrique

77 responses so far ↓

1 toonpars // Apr 22, 2008 at 12:50

i really rate enrique so i’d hate to see him replaced as first choice next season. i know he’s young and has a lot to learn but how else is he going to gain experience if not by playing regularly?
agree that we need a back up/2nd option though
2 HeronMag // Apr 22, 2008 at 12:51

Please not Riise! I’ll support anyone KK buys but hopefully he’ll buy someone far more steady.
3 Jesus of Nazareth // Apr 22, 2008 at 12:51

Riise is so not the answer.
4 Dirk // Apr 22, 2008 at 12:53

i think enrique is brilliant, i like riise aswell, and think he would improve our squad, bu if enrique is first choice lb and hes not really gonna get a game in midfield often would he come? id lik and average/good left back whod settle for bein second choice
5 wsq // Apr 22, 2008 at 12:57

good solid left back he is. will definitely improve. rafa must be wishing he wanna swap riise with this guy.. i’d say bugger off
6 HeronMag // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:00

Perhaps Nicky Shorey would fancy the move north? He’s young, English and has potential. He’s not worthy of his England place yet, but I’m sure KK could improve his play.
7 Grunde // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:02

Not Riise!!!!!!!
8 Steveo // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:09

We’ve got to move for Shorey especially if Reading go down which looks a real possibilty at the moment. Far better than Riise defensive-wise.

And perhaps a bit of coverage on Eidur Gudjohnsen pls Ed - doesn’t everyone agree what a wonderful signing he would be for us!? He could play Viduka’s role as the hold-up striker or Owen’s current role as link-up ‘playmaker’ fantastically. PLEASE EIDUR TO TYNESIDE!
9 Toontitan // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:10

Enrique has a good future ahead of him, he’s composed on the ball and doesn’t flap, but he is suspect at the back post. However, as good as Riise is, will he come as a squad player, as that is all he is at Liverpool and he’s not happy about it. I think Aaron Hughes would be a valuable re-addition to the sqad as cover across the whole back 4, and available on a free!
10 Vitorbarbosa // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:11

I can’t think of any footballer that will settle their place on the bench as back up or second choice except goalkeeper.
11 wsq // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:13

we’ll have more games next season thru cup matches and the season after that hopefully thru europe. there’ll be enough games to go around even if someone pushed enrique to the bench.

someone in their twilight years could be good as enrique would see that he is the main man for the future.

enrique can round circles round gary neville i think. pace wise i see no difference. defensively jose will get better with better communication
12 Eric // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:16

I think Toontitan has a good point. Aaron Hughes back as a squad player seems good. And he can play right across the back. Hughes was a good loyal and dependable player too. Enrique? He can only get better but we do need cover for him. I can imagine Riise throwing a wobbly if he was signed and did not play each game. Jose does dot do tantrums it seems. KK is looking to our future not to the past of the current Liverpool. Worried that Riise could be another Carr.
13 Steve K // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:32

I think a club in Newcastle’s position should be developing players with Jose’s talent and potential instead of bringing in a “never has been” in Riise to stifle his talent. If he wants to bring in cover that’s fine. But the Newcastle I’d love to see is one that patiently nurtures players like Jose so we can have him as our own Gael Clichy.
14 Elfer // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:38

EDGAR is our current backup…but he’s a youngster and you see that in every game he plays - safety first.

Not a bad thing but, the EPL demands much more!! So I guess a 2nd good LB is needed, but personally I let KK do and think he will bring in the best available player.
15 marcus owen // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:41

Funny idea from kk. If kk need somebody to cover Enrique then may i know who is another right back to cover Beye? Steven Carr??? KK must be joking. i suggest kk either play edgar as LB or change the formation to 5-3-2 by using Duff or N’zogbia as DML. Unless kk is trying to bring in another potential young LB for future, if not, please forget about another LB now!!
16 Beattie // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:47

i agree with wsq

“someone in their twilight years could be good as enrique would see that he is the main man for the future.”

He could then learn a few things as well, upping his game even more.
17 Eric // Apr 22, 2008 at 13:56

What has happened to N’Zogbia? He was injured but now he does not make the bench. On September 4th last year he told the BBC “I am happy to sign my contract (until 2012) and I see my future with Newcastle because it is a great club.” Well? What has changed? We do need RB cover for Beye and even thought Geremi could handle that until we bring a quality young one through. Is Carr going to stay or is he going to go? These days, to be in with a chance of success, a player has got to be willing to be a part of a squad of 22 not just a team of 11 anymore.
18 HonoraryGeordie // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:02

I have a mate from back in Macclesfield who just got his debut for City on Sunday, he’s called Sam Williamson, and his contract is up this summer. I say get him in and give him a go, I know I’m biased, but Enrique is first choice, lets get in another youngster so that they can compete and push each other hard for the next 5 years!
19 Rob Kirton // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:04

@marcus owen : To be fair to Keegan. Irrespective of what you, I or KK thinks of Carr - he cannot speak as though he has already gone.

I guess we do need cover for both Left back and Right back, even though Geremi can cover Right back.

Ultimately Keegan will want to play with two full backs who can really bomb on to support the 3 guys up front. We all know which end of the pitch he prefers the football to be played :0)

I’ll still never forget how he recruited David Batty the most defensive minded midfield player ever, and got him to score the first 4 goals of his career !

Getting back to Enrique: He has improved. When he first came he was mugged a couple of times when in possession. He also had the knack of hoisting too many long balls from the back. These things are starting to disappear from his game. Who says KK can’t coach?

I know a lot of people are saying we could bring back Aaron Hughes. He is a decent Centre half, though I seem to recall SBR going half crazy on the touchline trying to get him to carry the ball forward when he played at full back. He eventually lost patience and sold him on. I just don’t see that being a forward move.
20 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:04

Sorin to teach him please.

But defintely not Riise!
21 Gordon // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:13

Bridge….

Riise is no better than Jose!!!

(and he’s ginger!)
22 irish_Al // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:14

bring in zambrotta then he can play right back, left back, left midfield, right midfield
23 steve // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:23

N’Zogbia is on his way out and spurs have apparently agreed a deal, true or not only time will tell i here from a source that his attidued is awfull and kegand has sent him out of team meetings for being late, on enrique i think he is getting better and better every game and can be one of the best left backs in the pl so a back up for him would do nice, if we want to compete we need a big squard two for evey postion a man once said
24 chuck // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:33

How about Bridge as apposed to Riise, good defensively, can attack on the wing.
Could be Chelsea may be willing to part with him for the right price?
Also need a backup for Beye, who I think has been outstanding.
Then a younger central defender to partner Taylor with the African veterans filling in when and where required, should be the begining of rebuilding the defence, with hopefully the younger players breaking into the side in time.
25 HeronMag // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:39

I’d love Bridge to sign for Newcastle but I can’t see Chelsea letting him go. For that matter I’m not sure Bridge would want to swap Chelsea for the toon
26 ScottyT // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:39

people saying aaron hughes cmon man.. yes he was a good and ever reliable defender when he was at us last and no we should never have got rid of him but..

hes sh1te now man, seen him play a lot over the last few weeks for fulham and hes been at fault for a lot of their goals. defo not as good and reliable as he used to be.
27 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:45

Sorin, perfect for the job, also one ofmy favourite players. The Kaka of LBs!
28 ScottyT // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:48

isnt sorin getting on a bit though?
29 Luke // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:52

disappointing
30 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 14:56

Exactly! So he can teach Jose Enrique, while sharing games because he isnt young enough to play all games! That way enrique gains match experience and learns from Sorin.
31 Obafan // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:00

I would go for Dante of Standard:
1. very good in the air
2. powerfull LB, whe can cover as CB
3. is technically very good (he will pass better than Enrique)
4. will fancy a move to England
5. will not be that expensive

I hope, if the scouts are still looking at Boussoufa, that they went to Liege last Sunday and that they saw Dante Bonfim.

Riise will not be an improvement at all, but I am of the same opinion as KK that we need good backup or competition for Enrique at LB. I have to admit that Enrique has improved a lot since arriving and he will only get better.
32 ScottyT // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:02

true true.. but we dont want someone who used to be good and is now shite because of his age catching up with him. spose he’d be alright on a free or for a very low amount of money tho.

still think there are better left backs out there who we could chase though
33 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:03

He’s still very good as far as im concerned.
34 ScottyT // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:12

well as usual i dont really watch much foreign football so no idea how good he is anymore..

but ano he used to be a very good player in his prime just not sure now with his age.. having said that i thought he was older than 31 so maybe he would be a decent signing after all.
35 Leo // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:16

im not sure but was taio tiwo a right back or a left back? if he is either i think he would be a good purchase
36 Leo // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:17

im not sure but was taio tiwo a right back or a left back? if he is either i think he would be a good purchase n
37 Michael // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:24

Enrique was ok against the Mackems, worth sticking with.
I agree with resigning Aaron Hughes, Riise is a “4th placed Liverpool” reject.
N’Zog + cash for Aaron Lennon.
Carr’s contract is up in the summer, so he’s gone and Rozenhal.
What to do about Smith, Emre, Duff and Cacapa?
And where will Milner fit in; I guess he brings something different to the front three.
38 Mr T // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:25

People going on about bringing in a young left back….has everyone forgot Ben Tozer? We need an elder LB to teach Enrique who I think is class. I’ll leave it to KK to decide whose best.
39 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:25

left back, but we’ve got one top quality, young left back, so we dont relly need another, it would push one of them out and ruin ones career.

Get an old one, a back-up one or a very young (16-19) as back form the reserves.
40 HeronMag // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:30

Good point Mr T! I was talking about Tamas Kadar being able to play LB a few weeks ago.

Hope KK doesn’t end up freezing out a future star!
41 Ian // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:40

I would like to see a deal done with West Ham re Zog and Bellamy, or Zog and Keane at Spurs.

Cant see the point in changing Enrique as he is not our weakest area, Edgar is possibly even better.

I would rather see one striker, an extra centre back and two top rated central midfielders money no object, £28m+ on two world class midfielders. Then look at the team again the following Summer to make slight improvements.
Probably Keegan is looking for a left back who might get forward and score a few goals, personally I am glad to have someone who stops them going in to our net.
42 Mr T // Apr 22, 2008 at 15:43

HeronMag - that mean you also think that Kadar is chuffing brilliant?!

I think we should keep the CB’s as CB’s though primarily and utilise them if and as needed.
43 elliott // Apr 22, 2008 at 16:21

Rob Kirton - Was the Wimbledon goal Batty’s first then? That was a belter.
44 Whitt // Apr 22, 2008 at 16:22

@Michael…

Aaron Lennon + cash for Zog!
45 toonbarmy // Apr 22, 2008 at 16:41

Enrique looks like a really good defender however he needs to develop and to do that he must play regularly. Because of this you can’t buy someone like Nicky Shorey who would take over the role from Enrique. We need somebody that is solid and can do the job when we need him. Riise isn’t as good as some left-backs however he has played at the highest level with liverpool and is versitile. He has also scored 21 goals in 233 appearences (some as substitute) which is not bad for a left-back.

If you want a younger player though somebody like Royston Drenthe (who can’t get a game at madrid) or Urby Emanuelson from Ajax would be good signings.
46 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 16:43

you dont buy drenthe/emanuelson when you ave a young, promising lb n enrique, you will ruin one or the others career.
47 Tom // Apr 22, 2008 at 16:45

like enrique…think he could be our left back for some years. done some awesome runs forward in the last couple of games and not too bad defensively either
48 obafemimartins // Apr 22, 2008 at 16:51

i think tom huddlestone has improved a lot since ramos arrived at spuds and would be worth a punt since rmaos hates all the english players
49 toonbarmy // Apr 22, 2008 at 16:56

Sorin has been an incredible player however he is 31 (32 next month). He is always injured and has no premier league experience. Enrique can learn from watching other players at the club and KK and his staff will look after him.

If you just want simple backup go for Aaron Hughes who is solid and knows the club well.
50 toonbarmy // Apr 22, 2008 at 17:19

Tom Toon- Drenthe and Emanuelson have already shown that the can play LB and LM.
If we signed one of them we would have a player able to fill in at LB when needed and they could be a great young replacement for Zog as they are both good left wingers.
51 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 17:19

Hes injured a fair bit, but hes got experience at the top level, was one of the best lb in the world, speak spanish and has almost 80 international caps. When hes injured enrique can play, which is more or less 50-50, so enrique will develop nd learn at the same time. Sounds like a plan to me.
52 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 17:20

Not much chance in either and Emanuelson is a shocking lb, hes a great lm, but a very bad lb. Drenthe is miles better.
53 Rob Kirton // Apr 22, 2008 at 17:55

@elliott : Yes it was a belter (30 yard screamer if I recall correctly).
54 KKN39 // Apr 22, 2008 at 17:57

how about Milner plus 5m for Barry? O’Neill seems truly interested in Milner and reportedly has prepared a 8m summer bid. James is no doubt a good player and model professional at young age; but he may well struggle to find his best position in our 433, and he is just not a top winger in 442. on the other hand we do need backup LB and DM (as Butt and Geremi are ageing and slow). also the left side berth of the midfield trio in 433 seems the perfect position for Barry, esp. if Emre finally shipped out. Getting an experienced, versatile and diligent professional is the way to keep on the progress of our youngsters in Enrique, Edgar, Tozer and Kadar and at the same time to strengthen our thin squad.
55 lee // Apr 22, 2008 at 18:20

what is wrong with risse a season a go he was the best left back in the prem if not the world fair enough he is a bit slow but hes got a brilliant shot on him and can score goals which is part of what we need now because we dont get to many from midfield
hey hey risse
ooh aah
i wanna knooww
how you scored that goal
56 Oga // Apr 22, 2008 at 20:06

Sorry but Kevin is wrong on this. Enrique is one of the main reasons for our unbeaten run. He was MOM against Birmingham, and has continued his fine run of form since. Imagine what he will be like next season!?

Risse is a downgrade from Enrique.

Taye Taiwo would be an upgrade as he would offer something different (Attacking & Overlapping play). He would cost big bucks though.

I think we should sign one of Boltons Left Backs on the cheap if they go down. Matt Taylor or Ricardo Gardner would be good as back up for Enrique.
57 Ashton // Apr 22, 2008 at 21:02

what about tozer and kadar ? KK should give them a chance next season imo
58 Ashton // Apr 22, 2008 at 21:39

lol nice goal by risse
59 ronaldeano // Apr 22, 2008 at 21:42

Riise has just scored an own goal with his head cos he was to scared to boot it out with his right foot!!!
60 SB // Apr 22, 2008 at 21:54

Jose is way better than Riise imo

PS: Did anyone see what Riise just did? mwhahahaha.
61 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 21:56

I think Riise is a better striker on that performance. Way better than Smith, at least Riise scored.
62 Hammy // Apr 22, 2008 at 22:14

I don’t think Enrique has had a bad game for the toon, I think the back four and Harper has had a very solid look to it in the last month or so, but there again we’ve been attacking a lot more which will give the boys at the back a lot more confidence. I think Beye, Faye and Enrique should be nailed on starters, Taylor has improved but can still make the odd blunder so maybe we need a quality centre half to push him on competition wise.
63 SB // Apr 22, 2008 at 22:19

was definetely MOTM, imo
64 obamagic // Apr 22, 2008 at 22:56

i say sign taye taiwo or royston drenthe
65 Tom_Toon // Apr 22, 2008 at 22:58

Only if we got rd of Enrique would i sign either of those. You dont buy two quality left backs of the same age and hinder ones development and ruin their career (they are all in their development stage and must get game). Sign Sorin, on of my favourite players. Flair n all. You never know what to expect from him, can also play anywhere in midfield aswell
66 Spyro // Apr 22, 2008 at 23:31

Adriano from Sevilla, RB/LB/RM/LM
67 M. Stockley // Apr 23, 2008 at 0:13

imet jose before the scumderland game. top bloke…. fantastic potential!
68 Ausgeordie // Apr 23, 2008 at 0:14

Matt Taylor yes. Risse no!! He just scored an own goal in the last five seconds of the match against chelsea. He’ll be available on the cheap now thats for sure.
69 micepie // Apr 23, 2008 at 3:22

What happened to that Polish lb at Real Madrid that was mentioned on this site a few months ago? 20, so more mature than Tozer but a possible back-up for Enrique if good enough?
70 Len // Apr 23, 2008 at 4:17

Jose is a good player and going to get a lot better. We dont need to replace him. We have excellent young players as back up. Sir Ferg isnt afraid to play his youngsters and neither should we be. They need to get experience. Riise belongs at Bolton.
71 Nobby! // Apr 23, 2008 at 6:05

Kev doesn’t need to get a leftback, necessarily. He can go for one of those defenders that are comfortable to play anywhere in the back. Perhaps someone not too old, so that they can still be trained.
72 Spot The Zebra // Apr 23, 2008 at 6:30

Keegan may want players with Premiership experience as he stated in January.
First choice should be Bridge but perhaps weve already been knocked back so maybe Riise.Having watched Shorey at St. James a few weeks ago i dont rate him.I would agree with Matt Taylor who has impressed me recently and can play left back-left midfield.
Bellamy is an interesting choice and his pace would be a major asset but he would be a gamble.However didnt Keegan just mention how we may have to buy quality players with baggage as he did with Ginola? Bellars of course would fit anywhere left side in any formation… if you asked him nicely.
Its going to be an interesting summer.
73 Brian // Apr 23, 2008 at 9:54

Liverpool them selves are after a new left back. I think they will try on Philipp Lahm from Bayern M. he only have one year left and couldn`t get an agreement with Bayern on a extention.
74 sas1 // Apr 23, 2008 at 10:16

Riise LOL
75 KristianF // Apr 23, 2008 at 10:22

Being norwegian and with Riise coming from my hometown I would love to see him in black and white. He’s having a difficult time at the moment, but beneath is a very good, hard-working player. I don’t see any better option and come next season I bet we’ll be seeing his left-footed rockets winning us cliffhangers. That would pretty much make him an instant success

Also, I had money saying they would draw yesterday
76 Nathan // Apr 23, 2008 at 10:43

I think we should keep playing José, he’s not going to learn if we bring in somebody else to play instead of him, he’s constantly improving and I think it would be silly to drop in in favour of a new LB
77 Viggo // Apr 23, 2008 at 22:12

I agree with Steveo. Eidur Gudjohnsen would be a fantastic signing! He’s a proven high quality premiership player.