Vincente: New Brighton star? Or injury prone has-been?

There is no doubt that the recent free signing of Vincente Rodríguez has created a huge amount of excitement around Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. The experienced Spaniard and former Valencia player has proved himself at the highest level. He’s won two league titles, one UEFA cup, one UEFA Super Cup and one Spanish Cup for Valencia, commonly referred to as ‘the Orange’. The Left Winger, nicknamed ‘El Puñal’ (The dagger of Beniclap) has pace, goalscoring ability and has represented Spain at Euro 2004, being an international during the first half of the 2000’s. He was also named Spanish player of the year in 2003/4, and has made over 300 appearances during his 11 year spell at the club.

Surely a coup then for Brighton you may ask? Maybe. But there is one huge problem that has blighted his career so far. His injuries. In 2004/5 under the management of Claudia Ranieri his ventures down the Valencia wing where stopped abruptly as ankle injuries hindered his progress. From then on Vincente’s international career was demolished also. After an injury in training in 2007 Vincente publicly blamed the medical staff for his continuing injuries. Vincente then began to play a supervisory role as the 2nd choice winger for the in-form Juan Manuel Mata. He also failed to make the cut for the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.

This appears highly pessimistic, and although I believe that he is not player that he once was, it is still a magnificent scoop from Gus Poyet. Will these injury problems ruin his career at Brighton? Is he just a corporate, money-making buy? Does he have potential for the future, or will he just bow out after his 1-year contract is out? Only time will tell on these questions. But I leave you with this. Vincente; an attacking winger who has 335 caps for both club and country, has only scored 45 goals. Is that a good record or not? You decide.

Johnny Tydeman

Comments

[Boz]

His goal at Portman rd Saturday is a significant indicator of his quality, but his touch and ability to find 1/2 yard of space in the preceeding matches are perhaps a better gauge. He will be magnificent.