Javier Garrido believes new Norwich City signing Xavi Quintilla can thrive in England.
Quintilla joined the Canaries from Spanish side Villarreal earlier this month on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy should City be promoted.
Garrido knows what it takes to be successful at Carrow Road, having made 53 appearances for the club, the majority of those in the Premier League.
The Spaniard believes Quintilla will fit into Daniel Farke’s style of play smoothly.
“He is the kind of player that likes to go forward to make some crosses and assists.
“He feels comfortable when the team has the ball in possession and he has the knowledge of when is the right time to go forward. He will need to work on his strength and aerial balls. The Championship is a long and physical league,” Garrido said.
“Daniel Farke’s style is to be on the front foot. That means to have the ball and to make chances to win games. If the whole team is compact as a unit when they don’t have the ball, then Xavi can give something extra going forward.
“He also needs to learn the difference between the Championship and Spanish football. That will be the key for his success in UK.”
Quintilla will face competition to be the Canaries first-choice left-back, with Jamal Lewis featuring heavily in the position in the last two-and-a-half seasons.
The 24-year-old will need to perform consistently if he is to overtake the Northern Irish international in Daniel Farke’s thoughts.
Quintilla’s attacking tendencies were evident in City’s 3-2 friendly win over SV Darmstadt on Saturday, with the left-back crossing for Teemu Pukki to score his second of the game.
Asked what Quintilla needs to do to establish himself as City’s left-back over Lewis, Garrido said: “Be better than him. Jamal is a very good footballer, he has been at the club a while and he knows it well.
“Jamal knows already what it means to be part of the team, being regularly involved in games, after losing his place for a period before fighting for it again to gain his position in Daniel’s team for the next 11 fixtures.
“That suggests to me that he is determined to give his all to improve his ability.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here