Julio Enciso: Things to know

Brighton have become well respected in the Premier League for picking up hidden gems thanks to their smart recruitment and another special talent has flown into our periphery.

Julio Enciso is the latest Seagulls star to become a household name down in East Sussex after his long-distance effort soared past the helpless Kepa Arrizabalaga in a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

He is the latest Paraguayan star to make his mark in the Premier League - Miguel Almiron has enjoyed success in recent times with Newcastle - but who is Enciso, Brighton's newest fledgling talent?

Here's everything you need to know about the attacker.

Footballing career

Enciso began his journey like many other aspiring footballers; with his hometown club, in this case Caaguazu. A move to Club Libertad - Paraguay's richest club - then came aged 11.

He arrived in England from Libertad after 72 appearances for the club, contributing 25 goals and eight assists in that period. Whenever a teen makes the move from South America to England, all eyes are on them to see how they fare in a tougher environment, and Enciso is the latest subject.

'The diamond of Paraguayan football'

Following in the footsteps of Newcastle wide man Almiron, Enciso will dreaming his arrival in the Premier League mirrors his compatriot's, given the influence he has had on Newcastle's unexpected European push.

Described as 'the diamond of Paraguayan football', Enciso has the versatility to be played as a centre forward and on the wing, but is most at ease operating in a central role.

He loves getting into the penalty box and offering an option at all times for his teammates. Enciso’s low centre of gravity and small stature also means he is a nuisance for flat-footed defenders.

There's no doubt his electrifying pace will cause problems in England, with Brighton known as a clinical counter attacking outfit.

Brighton is also an optimal environment for a young player like Enciso to develop as he will rub shoulders with those who have been in a similar situation, like Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.

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Willingness to move to Europe

Enciso knew what he wanted and took any opportunity that flew in his direction. Brighton have set up good links in South America over the years and that reputation helped them swoop in for the youngster in June 2022.

Then manager Graham Potter said: “Julio is an exciting young talent, and he has had a great start to his career in Paraguay, as well as being a regular in the Paraguay national squad.

“He’s a young guy who is moving away from his home country for the first time, so we will help him to adapt to new surroundings and settle here in Brighton and Hove. 

"We’re really looking forward to helping him develop and working with him, and he will complement our existing attacking options this coming season.”

"I would like to play in Europe. That is my aim, and that is what my representative Pedro Aldave and I are working towards," the young sensation said in 2022 before deal was penned with Brighton was penned.

His special bond with Paraguayan legend Oscar Cardozo

Watching Enciso's progress will be Oscar Cardozo, who is no stranger to European football given his time spent in Portugal with Benfica.

Cardozo took Paraguay's next best thing under his wing recently, with Enciso stating how important their relationship will be for his development.

"Cardozo has already gone through everything in his career, and he guides me on and off the field. Cardozo brings us his experience, wisdom, and little secrets. He is a relentless scorer and also is a great person; I am happy to have him by my side."

The left-footed Paraguayan icon certainly knows a thing or two about the wonderful world of football and would have passed on his invaluable knowledge, hoping to transform Enciso into an 'old head on young shoulders'.