Luque who's talking now!
With Newcastle United yet to add another striker to their books this summer it has to be said the behaviour of ÃÂã9.5million striker Albert Luque lately has been extremely interesting.
The former Deportivo la Coruna and Real Mallorca man netted over 50 goals in Spainâ≢s La Liga but struggled badly to make an impact on Tyneside last term.
Dogged by injury, a loss of form and problems learning the English language - often relying on Nobby Solano as a translator - Luque at times looked a broken man on Tyneside.
He didnâ≢t help himself when he left the field at the City of Manchester Stadium laughing and joking with Kiki Musampa in the final game of the Graeme Souness era as United were drubbed 3-0.
But it appears that Luque is fighting for another chance.
Netting at Sunderland during the fabulous 4-1 win on Wearside last season certainly did him no harm.
And after following it up with a great volley against Celtic at Gallowgate in Alan Shearerâ≢s testimonial he at least headed for Spain with positive thoughts in his head.
Two goals in as many games during the pre-season period, against Lillestrom in the Interâ≢Toto and now PSV Eindhoven in Saturdayâ≢s friendly, have actually taken his tally to four goals in his last four games - but he still has much to prove to the Geordie public.
Luque says he will be a â∠Âdifferent playerââ¬? this term - and he has even masterminded some English - but the question is will it be in a black and white shirt?
With Roeder still keen to add to his frontline before the Premiership season kicks off and Shola Ameobi also displaying decent form, both at the end of last season and this pre-season, Luque could well find himself on the bench by the time Wigan arrive in Toon.
At almost ÃÂã2.4million a goal (Friendly goals shouldnâ≢t really count) Luque knows he has yet to show his full value.
But with the clock ticking towards the transfer deadline next month, can Luque somehow turn things round in a black and white shirt and force his way into the team?
Over to you Alberto!
10 Comments
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
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Personally I don't think he's a different player at all this season, he just never had a chance to prove himself last season. He was never fully fit, never match sharp due to never having a proper run in the team, and generally struggled to settle - thanks largely to a lot of unfair criticism from so-called supporters. Now that he's fit and settling in, I'm sure we will see the real Albert Luque. Howay Albert son!
The jury is still out, isn't it. But the thing is, we've already taken the risk by spending nearly 10 million on him. From what I've seen of him in his last few games, and from the feeling I have that Glen Roeder is the sort who can get the best out of his players, I would have given him the number 9 shirt instead of the number 7 (wouldn't you have thought that Scott Parker would have had number 7? Closest we've had to Rob Lee for a long time). Selling Luque now would be a big mistake. I think he could just turn out to be an absolute gem!
I really think Luque is a great player. Ive seen him play with Deportivo and he is very talented. I think Roeder knows the Talent the spaniard has and thats why he is giving him another chance. If injuries stay away from him I think Luque will be a great asset this season. Mark my words, we will see a lot of skilful goals from Luque this season.
Remember Luque's transfer fee of ÃÂã9.5m was only because Deportivo didn't really want to sell him. Surely if he's good enough for Deportivo, he's good enough for us.
I had the misfortune of watching Luque play for Malaga (on loan) for two seasons a couple of years ago and he was a disaster.
My Spanish friends were rolling about laughing when they heard how much we paid for him. I will be amazed if he proves a success for us and his ineffective first season was not a surprise to me.
I agree. It took Henry time to settle at Arsenal. Now look at him...Luque has the potential to be a toon legend...
definetly rooting for luque this season, watching his goal reel of his goals in la liga, he has real class! suffered a major hamstring tear, worst of his career when coming here and i think he will prove to be worth his 10 million!
Well i would say luque is a pretty decent player. So far we have only seen flashes of what he can do. If he is able to perform consistently, he might not be the flop like last season after all. However he is not the striker that we need at the moment. I hope Glenn Roder brings in someone fast. If not be prepared for another struggle this season
Two goals in as many games during the pre-season period, against Lillestrom in the Interâ≢Toto and now PSV Eindhoven in Saturdayâ≢s friendly, have actually taken his tally to four goals in his last four games - but he still has much to prove to the Geordie public.
Very good article. Looking forward to seeing you write a lot more about this subject.