Luis Enrique Nsue in action for Negri Sembilan. - Photo by Negeri Sembilan FC.
PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan’s new defensive pillar Luis Enrique Nsue has quickly established himself as one of the Super League’s standout centrebacks.
But the Equatorial Guinea international insists there is still plenty of room for improvement if the team are to push higher up the table.
The 27-year-old, who has won 10 caps for his country, has been an ever-present for Negri this season, starting in all three Super League matches and two FA Cup ties.
He even chipped in with a goal - a crucial header in the 2-2 league draw against Kuching City earlier this month.
More importantly, his defensive statistics underline his growing influence.
Nsue averages 11 ball recoveries per match, has only been dribbled past twice per game, and makes around six clearances in each outing. But for a player of his calibre, the real prize is clean sheets.
“We have prepared well this week, knowing that all the matches are very important for our goal,” said Nsue ahead of Negri’s clash against Immigration FC at the Batu Kawan Stadium tomorrow.
Negri are seventh in the standings with four points from three games, having opened their campaign with a 3-5 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) before bouncing back to beat Selangor 2-1 and holding Kuching City 2-2 in Paroi.
Nsue has earned plaudits for his composure and reading of the game, but he remains grounded.
“Football is generally like that. When you do things well, they praise you. But I still tell the team to be mentally prepared when things aren’t going as well as they are now. We’re not a big club - we’re a small club that’s just doing things well,” he said.
Nsue’s combination with local defenders Zainal Abidin Jamil and Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee has been central to Negri’s resilience, though he admits communication can still be improved.
“It’s true that communication is a little more difficult for us, but with time that will improve. I’m delighted to play alongside them, they are very good footballers,” said Nsue.
