Perez ‘proud’ of lob link to Albert’s goal
AYOZE Perez admits he is “proud” that his exquisite lob against Leicester City has been compared with Philippe Albert’s iconic chip.
Albert’s goal capped off Newcastle United’s famous 5-0 victory over Manchester United in October 1996, which left Peter Schmeichel embarrassed, and is arguably the most iconic strike in the Magpies’ history.
It summed up the attacking, free-flowing style of Kevin Keegan’s “Entertainers” side, given that a centre-back was able to score such a spectacular goal.
But earlier this month Perez netted a lob of his own during the 2-1 victory at Leicester – and the Spaniard chipped Kasper Schmeichel, the son of Man United legend Peter, in the process.
Given that Perez’s strike at the King Power Stadium virtually guaranteed United’s top-flight status, and due to the fact he chipped Schmeichel Jnr too, that goal also looks set to take a special place in Newcastle’s history.
“I’m so proud of that goal and the fact it’s been compared to one of the greatest goals in the club’s history,” Perez told The Daily Star when asked about the goal.
“Everyone knows about Albert’s goal and I have seen it quite a few times. To this day, fans still talk about the time he lobbed Peter Schmeichel to round off a 5-0 win.
“Maybe they will be talking about mine in 20 years’ time, although perhaps we are not quite as big as Newcastle were back then because that result took the club to the top of the table.
“But my goal was also important because it could be the one that makes us safe, not that Rafa Benitez will let us relax until it is 100% certain.”
Perez also scored during United’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday, making it three games in succession during which he has found the back of the net.
The 24-year-old has scored five goals and provided five assists in 31 Premier League appearances this season.
But Perez has alsobeen praised by Benitez for the role he takes in the team, with the forward revealing he has been encouraged to adapt his role off the ball - and to provide the link between attack and midfield.