Rovers have landed a ‘wonderfully gifted footballer’ in the eyes of Tony Mowbray after signing Ian Poveda on loan from Leeds United.
Mowbray revealed Rovers have received positive references about the 21-year-old with data suggesting he is one of the fittest players at the Premier League club.
The Rovers boss has stressed the need for some individuality and creativity at the top end of the pitch since the injury to Bradley Dack, and he believes that loanee Poveda will add that to the squad.
“Ian brings individuality, a bit of quality to eliminate people and the ability to dribble quickly,” Mowbray said.
“We’ve missed a lot of those qualities. He’s different to Dack though because he’s that little bit sharper with his feet.
“He’s a ball manipulator, he’s got sharp feet, a bit of pace and his data tells us he’s one of the fittest players at Leeds United.
“So I’m hoping he can do the running and also be competitive and athletic. I think he fits into the criteria we look for and I want him to use the qualities he’s got to help the team unlock defences.”
Poveda has been around the Leeds squad since signing from Manchester City in January 2020 and he made their matchday squad on 32 occasions last season, getting off the bench 12 times.
Mowbray says the Elland Road club speak highly of the 21-year-old who will now battle for a spot in the Rovers side.
“He comes with a great reputation and he’s a wonderfully gifted footballer," Mowbray added.
“I’ve had some really good references from people at Leeds who I hugely respect and we’re looking forward to seeing him in our group.
“His talent has to get him in the team and we’re hoping that Ian becomes a fixture in our team and can unlock a door in those tight matches to win us the points.”
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