Anchor man needed to bring best out of West Brom's Valero

Apr 1 2009 by Chris Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

“What Borja has found is that the incredible tempo and physicality in this league is something he needs to adapt to.

“But from my perspective trying to find that balance of players in and around him is probably what I didn’t quite manage to acquire for him.

“In defence of Borja I never really found the player to complement his talents. We’ve gone this season without the kind of player who would have allowed him to shine.

“He understands, he’s a good lad, a good footballer and wants to play.”

Borja joined Albion from Real Mallorca in a deal worth £4.7million last summer.

Mowbray dismissed claims he was struggling under the weight of being the club’s most expensive player.

“I understand the extra pressures of the price tags of players. But, as a coach, I don’t really judge people by price tags, I judge them by performances.”