Utaka ‘ll
explode in England – Adelakun
From Sport desk
Friday,
August 3, 2007
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•John
Utaka
Photo: Sun News Publishing
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Super Eagles striker, John Utaka, is being tipped to star
for Premier League side, Portsmouth, by the man who helped him break into European
football.
Tunde Adelakun, publisher and editor-in-chief of New African
Soccer, was the man who helped put Utaka on the international stage when he found
him playing football at Ismaily Egypt.
He told the Portsmouth News: "I've
known John a good few years and I think he is the kind of lad who will be a success.
"He is very well known in Africa. They call him 'Utaka the Attacker.’
He's a really modest, down-to-earth, unassuming player.
"For Nigeria,
he doesn't play as the top striker - he usually pulls wide to provide for Kanu
or (Obafemi) Martins. That's where he can use his pace.
"The Premier
League is a unique place to play football.
"But John has pace which
he uses to get past people and he is very skilful. Players will try to sabotage
him, but he is physically marauding and that will help him survive. Because of
his pace, he will be able to adapt to the Premier League quicker than other people,
who are used to the slower approach.
"I first noticed him when I
travelled to Egypt, where I saw him play after a friend brought him to my attention.
I told the Nigerian coach about him and he called him up. John has made it from
modest beginnings. He didn't jump from Africa to the Premier League, but has made
it using stepping stones.
"He is very respectful and will want to learn.
"He still often calls me for advice and I think Harry will be a father
figure to him like that." |
