Hats off to a true blaugrana It's amazing the level of icon status Luis Enrique has generated for himself since coming to Barcelona in the 1997-98 season (when Van Gaal was first appointed). The irony is that he made the switch over from Real Madrid. My initial thoughts about Luis Enrique were mixed and ambivalent. I hated him when he played for Real Madrid. Apparently, he shared the level of hate I have for that club as he has confessed as to his unhappiness playing for Real Madrid. I translated that sentiment towards him in the 1994 World Cup when he represented Spain, remembering how he treated the Korean players and by receiving a yellow card for his troubles. Yet since he has come on for FC Barcelona, his form is amazing. One would hardly expect that a former Real Madrid player to be the one who plays with the most heart on this team. He has been made captain for all the right reasons. Forget the fact that he has scored in all competitive matches this season. It's his hussle, his aggression and his attitude on the field that has been lacking for so long (since the departure of Hristo Stoichkov in my opinion). Luis Enrique plays with a passion that often is missing amidst talks of money, contract negotiations, etc. It is all of this that makes me forget that he had a sad chapter in his life when he played for Real Madrid. Some of the most memorable goals have been scored by Luis Enrique. I still remember that goal he scored against Real Madrid in the Bernebau on his first trip there on November 1, 1997. Raul had just drawn to level Real Madrid when only minutes after, Luis Enrique stripped the ball away from Seedorf, waltzed around the outside of the box and took a shot that silenced the crowd. He had a bag of urine thrown at him but what a goal. So many memories, so many great moments ...
Re: Hats off to a true blaugrana He was there in the 96-97 season. Even when Ronaldo scored all those goals, Luis Enrique was voted as Barça's MVP.
some articles... Here are some articles about Luis Enrique. They are in spanish so I apologize to the non-spanish speakers. http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/20020926/NOTICIA48515554.html http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/20020926/NOTICIA48515596.html http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/20020926/NOTICIA48515596.html (this is more about Motta but he talks about Luis Enrique) http://www.sport.es/Barsa/article.asp?id=50108
Re: some articles... Thanks a lot Juanele for sending those articles...I don't understand spanish really but I was able to have them translated! Thanks again! Oh, and congrats to Luis!
From the very little I have seen this season (UK Sky TV are showing less BCN matches on their 'normal' sports channels) Enrique has been fantastic, and his scoring record proves this in many ways. Is it by coincidence alone that he was so brilliant under LVG (and previously Sir Bobby) BEFORE and is playing so well NOW, yet in between, with Ferrer andd Rexach managing the team, he was a 'luxury' player who, in my opinion, showed no consistent form. For two years I remembered the REAL (sorry, no pun intended!) Luis Enrique, and now it seems he is back. Much applause to LVG for playing him in the role he deserves- with the freedom to create!