New winger Suso 'something special' says manager

Published on Wednesday 5 August 2009 00:29

CSABA Laszlo hailed Hearts' new winger Suso Santana as "something special" after the Spanish winger made an impressive home debut last night. He laid on the equaliser against Bolton for Christian Nade, and the manager pointed out an unusual quality in the summer signing's style of play.

"I'm very satisfied with Suso," he said. "He makes opponents nervous. He's fast with the ball – and not so fast without the ball. I think it's something special that you don't see every day on the football pitch."

Laszlo likened Suso to his fellow winger Andrew Driver, who is injured. "He's a bit like Andy – he makes opponents nervous," he said, adding that he hoped Driver could be back in two weeks, more optimistic than previous estimates.

Overall, the manager was pleased with the way his team had played against Bolton, who were the first opponents when Tynecastle was opened in 1886. "I was happy about the second half, physically and mentally," he continued.

"But we are not finished our preparation and the players are not so fresh. The goal we lost was definitely a big mistake – David Obua was too far forward and Lee Wallace was outnumbered – but after that I don't think they created many clear chances."

Having said his squad were short of match fitness, Laszlo singled out three players as requiring more work.

"Christian Nade is not so fit, but 70 minutes today was fantastic. Laryea Kingston is a very good player but for this game you need power. And David Witteveen has a good body, but the game at the moment is too fast for him."