West Bromwich Albion: Pablo Ibanez impresses Albion teammates

Nov 13 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

IT WAS a goal of sheer quality.

An outswinging, left-wing cross curled in, a far-post header powered into the top corner.

All in a day’s work for Chris Brunt and Pablo Ibanez, who executed the move – Albion’s equaliser at West Ham – as if they’d rehearsed it in training, which they probably had.

Brunt’s credentials aren’t in doubt.

Once again Roberto Di Matteo was praising his winger following another dynamic display.

But what of Pablo?

Little was known about the Spaniard before he came to The Hawthorns.

Twenty-plus caps for Spain, a centre-half released by Atletico Madrid and a potential move across the Spanish capital two years ago taken away from him on the basis of politics.

He’s now filling the boots of Albion’s key and influential centre-half Jonas Olsson, who has become a huge and popular part of the club’s early-season form.

No pressure there for Pablo then.

Goal-provider Brunt spoke about what Wednesday’s goalscorer has brought to The Hawthorns.

“I don’t think anybody has ever had any doubts about Pablo,” said Brunt.

“We see him every day in training and he is a good professional.

“He works hard and we saw straight away when he came to the club that he is a quality defender.

“You don’t get international caps for Spain if you’re not any good.