West Bromwich Albion FC

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• Manager:Roy Hodgson

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Baggies backing for Valero

10 Oct 2008 - 11:32:02

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West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray has backed club record signing Borja Valero to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League.

Valero, 23, has yet to make his mark in England following his £4.75million arrival from Real Mallorca during the summer transfer window.

But Mowbray is confident the attacking midfielder will ultimately prove to be a success at The Hawthorns.

"I love watching Borja. He is my type of footballer and I am looking forward to him having a long career here and playing a part in our success as we move along," said Mowbray.

"He undoubtedly has to adapt to the physicality of the league.

"But, in my eyes, football is all about entertaining supporters and this kid is someone who gives the ball to his team-mates, sees forward passes and picks the right weight of pass.

"I also like people smashing into tackles, but he is here to fill the role he was bought for, which is to pass and knit things together.

"Is he doing that? Yes. Is he challenging everybody, winning 50-50s and crunching people? No, because that's not what he was brought here for.

"I play him in a role where he can get the ball and make things happen and play where the ball is."