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Maidstone United winger Joan Luque indebted to team-mates for flying start to season

Man-of-the-moment Joan Luque has passed the plaudits to his Maidstone team-mates.

Winger Luque has seven goals already this season, making him a key player in the Stones’ unbeaten start in National South.

Joan Luque celebrates his second goal in Maidstone's win at Bath, tracked by housemate Regan Booty Picture: Steve Terrell
Joan Luque celebrates his second goal in Maidstone's win at Bath, tracked by housemate Regan Booty Picture: Steve Terrell

He scored twice in the win at Bath last weekend - meeting Sam Corne’s cross before going on a brilliant run from Jake Gallagher’s pass.

The Spaniard, who rejoined Maidstone from Weymouth in the summer, fully appreciates the players around him.

He said: “We’ve had a really good start and if the team are doing well, then you can shine more than if the team aren’t doing well.

“Without my team-mates, there’s nothing I can do. You can’t score goals and you can’t win games without them.

“I was really happy with the goals at Bath. The first one the power comes from the cross and it’s a case of guiding the ball.

“The second one, I came inside but there was too much traffic, so I kept going and going, and then I was thinking I’m too close to the goal, I just need to pass it into the net, don’t smash it because you’ll put it over.

“Luckily it was a great goal. I always enjoy scoring but when you score a beauty like that, you enjoy it even more.

“I’m really happy here - and I was really happy last year.

“Hak believed in me, Tel believed in me and they gave me back my confidence.

Joan Luque puts Maidstone 2-0 up at Bath Picture: Steve Terrell
Joan Luque puts Maidstone 2-0 up at Bath Picture: Steve Terrell

“I was happy coming training, with a smile on my face. I’ve always been like that but this season we’ve got an even better group, and that helps.

“You want to be in training because you know you’re going to smile, you’re going to enjoy it, and you can see that on the pitch.”

Luque has hit it off with Regan Booty, with the pair also housemates in the town.

They’d never met before the summer but quickly became good pals.

“I’m talking to my family on FaceTime and he’s always there - they’ve already invited him home!” said Luque.

“It’s good to have someone close. He’s a good lad and we’ve got a good understanding on the pitch.

“I know what he’s going to do and vice-versa - we don’t need to say anything.

“I’m here by myself and it makes a real difference to have someone you feel comfortable with around every day.

Joan Luque celebrates his first goal at Bath Picture: Steve Terrell
Joan Luque celebrates his first goal at Bath Picture: Steve Terrell

“I still miss my family but I don’t miss them as much.”

Luque is looking forward to taking on Dartford in the FA Cup third qualifying round this Saturday.

It’s all set for an intriguing clash at the Gallagher.

He said: “It’s going to be a really good game.

"Hopefully there will be a packed Gallagher - it’s different to every other ground in the league. I think we’re both going to go for it.

"We both want to do well in the league but I’d love an FA Cup run.

"I got to the first round proper with Heybridge but if we have a good run here we could meet a Premier League team, which is something I’ve never done and something I’m looking for.”

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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