Julio Enciso shows sharper edge after slow start as Strasbourg prepare for Metz | OneFootball

After a sluggish start, Strasbourg’s Julio Enciso is beginning to influence games, though his overall play remains raw. He has started 12 of their last 17.

Since returning, he had only one goal, against Häcken in a 2-1 Europa Conference League win on 6 November, but he has now scored four in four. He came off the bench to score and assist versus Breidablik on 18 December, then opened the scoring against Dunkerque on 21 December, before a brace at Avranches in a 6-0 win on 10 January.

Those contributions have kept Strasbourg on course in the cups and secured a last-16 tie with Monaco. The Manche trip also underlined he must sharpen game understanding and commitment, and on Friday Gary O'Neil said the team need everyone to defend, Enciso included.

A fearless dribbler, with three successful attempts per match, the best in Ligue 1, he still carries the ball too long and his passing choices are inconsistent. He initiates 2.73 shot-ending sequences, with 82% of attacking midfielders doing better, and his expected assists in Ligue 1 stand at only 0.3. His reaction after losing the ball needs work, yet he can still tilt a match with one flash of skill.

His improving fitness and scoring streak should boost confidence as Metz visit on Sunday at 15:00. He owns a ferocious strike, one that earned the Premier League’s 2022-2023 goal of the season against Manchester City, yet he has not displayed that quality in a match.

Source: L'Équipe