Brighton prospect Julio Enciso is gunning for Miguel Almiron’s place in the Paraguay side. Just days after making his Premier League debut, the 18-year-old has bullishly set his sights on the Newcastle United man’s international jersey.
Enciso came off the bench to replace Adam Lallana in the Seagulls’ 4-1 win against Chelsea last month. A summer signing from Libertad in his native country, the forward is being billed as the latest hidden gem to unearth his potential at the Amex Stadium.
Alongside ex-boss Graham Potter in the dugout, Toon sporting director Dan Ashworth has been the kingpin for most of Brighton’s success in recent years. The 51-year-old built up a fierce reputation for discovering stars on the South Coast - an asset Newcastle are now beneficiaries of.
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Outspoken Enciso appears to be the latest talent off the production line and, with eight Paraguay caps to his name already, is tipped for a bright future. He has outlined his desire to take Almiron’s number 10 shirt with the national team.
That feat may prove difficult, with the Newcastle man enjoying the form of his life. Eight goals in 15 games has helped propel the Magpies up to third in the Premier League - and he was crowned Premier League player of the month for October.
Nevertheless, Enciso has declared his desire to wear number 10 for Paraguay. He told Versus : “I want to be the number 10 of the national team. I hope it can be given to me in the future.
"I know that many important players had that number who are idols of my parents, uncles and grandparents like Salvador Cabañas and Roberto 'Toro' Acuña. Now it belongs to Miguel Almirón, another great player, but it is what I want the most as every Paraguayan.”
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