Valero bides his time

Last updated : 13 May 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Borja Valero admits Tony Mowbray was right to take him out of the first-team and leave him on the subs’ bench in order for him to get to grips with the requirements of the Premier League. 

Albion’s most expensive signing had a harsh introduction into the English football and found himself out of the team in recent weeks.  The Spaniard has started just two of the last eight games but gave one of him most impressive outings in a Baggies shirt during the 3-1 victory over Wigan after seeing for himself what’s needed to succeed in the Premier League from the confines of the bench.

"The manager said to me after the game on Saturday I made more tackles than I passed the ball,” the former Real Madrid midfielder said.

"This is English football and I have to play like that - it was good.

"I think my performance on Saturday was one of my best of the season.

"In the last few months I've been a little bit worse.

"I got confidence in the last few games to play.

"It was important for me to be on the bench to think and get confidence for the last few games.

"I have learnt a lot.

"Everyone has to learn, whether you are in the team or on the bench."

The summer signing from Real Mallorca is now hoping to take his new found form into Sunday’s vital clash with Liverpool and is hoping for another cracking atmosphere from The Hawthorns’ crowd.

"Our supporters cheer every game and I'm sure they will do everything to help us try and win this game," Albion’s No. 28 said.

"Every game is amazing playing in front of our supporters.

"I have been in other stadiums and none of them are like The Hawthorns.

"If The Hawthorns had 80,000 seats I think it would be unbelievable!

"The noise is great and I love playing at The Hawthorns."