Anglo-Nigerian striker Shola Shoretire recently named Manchester United attacking midfielder Juan Mata as the first team player he admires the most.
Mata and Shoretire have the same stature - diminutive in nature - but have a low center of gravity that opponents find it very difficult to get the ball from their feet.
The England youth international enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2020-2021, making his debuts in the Premier League and Europa League, was named United's Young Player of the Year and shortlisted for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season accolade.
Having rubbed shoulders with Manchester United's first team stars in the second half of last season, Shoretire was particularly impressed with one player, Juan Mata.
He said : "I think that has helped me a lot because you have to learn the game quicker as I’m not one of the big ones.
"So you have to be quite technical, I think, and I look up to Juan Mata. He’s not the tallest or the strongest but is probably one of the cleverest players I’ve seen play and played with. He is always two steps ahead. I admire him a lot".
"So you have to be quite technical, I think, and I look up to Juan Mata. He’s not the tallest or the strongest but is probably one of the cleverest players I’ve seen play and played with. He is always two steps ahead. I admire him a lot".
Returning the compliment, 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship winner Mata posted a glowing endorsement of Shoretire on social media.
The Spaniard said according to Manchester Evening News : "Keep going Shola, it's a joy to watch you play!"
Shoretire topped Manchester United U23s scoring charts last term, netting ten goals and assisting five others in 21 matches.
Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : manutd.com
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