Interviews

Sarmiento: Enciso a lot of fun to be around

Paraguay international made his Premier League debut in 4-1 win over Chelsea.

By Charlie Hanson • 04 November 2022

By Paul Hazlewood
Julio Enciso made his Premier League debut against Chelsea on Saturday.

Julio Enciso is developing well at Albion and can look forward to more first team opportunities, according to team-mate Jeremy Sarmiento.

The two have become good friends since the Paraguay international joined in the summer, with Jeremy taking Julio under his wing.

“Julio brings a lot of energy to the team. He doesn’t know the language very well yet, but he’s learning. He’s a funny guy to be around. On the pitch he’s amazing, you can see from his debut against Chelsea how he wants to get at players and get shots off, to really impress the coach, which he will keep doing if he gets more opportunities.

By Paul Hazlewood
The pair have a strong bond off the pitch.

“He’s the youngest in the team. If something isn’t going well for him in training, I just try and put an arm around him and to help him out with anything he needs. He’s one of my best friends at the club.

“He only knows Brighton at the moment, he’s been to London a couple of times with me but it’s a different country and the weather is different, especially the last few days, to get used to. It hasn’t been easy but he’s here for football and that’s his priority, worrying about anything else would get in the way of that.”

Albion fans got a good introduction to Enciso’s ability last Saturday against Chelsea, but Jeremy admits the Albion squad see it every day on the training pitch.

By Paul Hazlewood
The pair came on as substitutes against the Blues in the 4-1 win.

“In training you can see how easily he gets past players, he’s very good technically.

He’s got a good shot on him. He’s up there with the best finishers in the group, 100 per cent. After training he likes to do finishing drills with Alexis [Mac Allister], those two just battle it out!”

Sarmiento also got on the pitch with Enciso last weekend, making his second appearance of the Premier League campaign.

“Roberto and I have spoken and he believes in me and I am ready at all times to do what he needs me to do. I’ve been training hard since he arrived so if I keep doing what he asks then hopefully I will get more chances.”