Enciso offers reminder of 'game-changing' quality he possesses

Julio Enciso
[Getty Images]

Whenever I see the name Julio Enciso my mind goes back to Brighton's 4-1 demolition of Wolves at the start of last season.

While Kaoru Mitoma's solo goal, which started at the halfway line, understandably grabbed all the headlines, the big takeaway for me was Enciso's performance.

Selfless decision-making enabled the Paraguay international, then still a teenager, to provide two assists, but also display the physicality needed to excel in the Premier League when a key part of your game is driving the team forward and looking to hurt the opposition.

I was convinced he was on course to follow in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Marc Cucurella and Ben White, and be sold for a hefty profit.

Just a few days after his performance at Molineux, Enscio suffered a meniscus tear in training, an injury which would require two operations and force him to miss over six months of football.

Having clocked up more minutes on the Brighton bench than on the pitch under Fabian Hurzeler this season, it was no surprise to learn Enciso pushed for a January loan move in pursuit of more game time.

I must admit, though, I was shocked to see him opt for struggling Ipswich amid reported interest from Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United.

I have not watched every second of all of his performances in a Town shirt. However, commentating over his assist for Nathan Broadhead's goal in their 2-1 win over Bournemouth, which included a powerful dribble where he was able to hold off and outpace three defenders, was a reminder of the game-changing quality the 21-year-old possesses.

Enciso is proven at Premier League level. However, apart from Liam Delap, all of Ipswich's attacking options have struggled to make a consistent impact this season.

With manager Kieran McKenna confirming to me injuries to Lief Davis and Omari Hutchinson, the pair who sit at the top of Ipswich's chances created stats list, the need for Enciso to rediscover his best form on a regular basis could not be greater.

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