Blackpool Manager Michael Appleton has praised Leeds United loanee Ian Poveda after his performance last weekend.
Poveda joined Blackpool on a season-long loan in the summer but has struggled to make an impact in the first team so far. The 22-year old has had a disappointing year, he broke his leg on loan at Blackburn last season. This summer, he was not in Jesse Marsch’s plans, he is now on the comeback trail.
His recent performances off the bench for Blackpool has giving Michael Appleton hope so far:
“He was great,” Appleton said after Saturday’s draw in South Wales.
“We were contemplating bringing him on after 20-25 minutes which shouldn’t happen too often.
“But he can play off both sides, he can play as a 10, potentially as an eight…
“He’s coming into it a little bit, a bit late for my liking but at least he’s showing now what he’s capable of.
“Some of the moments, some of the bits of skill and the times he went past players was very good.”
Appleton on the turnaround in Poveda’s attitude
The Blackpool boss noted that there has been an improvement in Poveda’s attitude recently, and that it may lead to more first team opportunities:
“I said to him three or four days before the Cardiff game don’t feel it’s gone unnoticed because it hasn’t.
“We’re aware he’s coming on and making an impact. The players in front of him or think they’re in front of him have got to be careful because if he can put on a performance like that it won’t be too long until he’s ready to start a game.”
The Spaniard has made 10 appearances for Blackpool this season, only starting three games. Poveda is yet to score a goal, but has provided an assist this season. The Tangerines face Sheffield United in the Championship on Boxing Day.