ALAN MULLERY has told Colombia they will be missing a trick if Jose Izquierdo is not in their starting line-up against England in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The Seagulls’ winger had Albion’s ambassador off his seat in his first season in the Premier League.
Mullery believes that experience has also given Izquierdo inside information which could help Colombia’s cause in tomorrow night’s showdown in Moscow.
Izquierdo was an unused sub for the wins against Poland and Senegal which saw the South Americans top their group after starting the opening defeat by Japan.
Colombia’s Argentinian coach Jose Pekerman must decide whether to recall Izquierdo, amid injury doubts over star man James Rodriguez, or keep him on the bench.
Ex-England midfielder Mullery told The Argus: “I think they are missing out, because he has played against most of those players. He knows what the England side is like. He speaks perfect English, he’ll be telling everybody who they are.
“If I was the coach I’d play him.”
Izquierdo made a telling contribution to Albion’s Premier League survival with five goals in 23 starts and nine sub appearances after a £13.5 million move from Brugge last summer. He scored in stunning style against West Ham, Stoke and Crystal Palace.
Mullery said: “I think he has been fantastic. He gets me off my seat every time he gets the ball.
“(Anthony) Knockaert does as well. I get excited, because they have both got terrific ability and the pace to go with it. He scores unbelievable goals and he has been a huge success in his first season.”
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