'One of the cleverest players I've seen' - Shoretire names the Man Utd player he looks up to

Published: June 25, 2021

Anglo-Nigerian striker Shola Shoretire has named the Manchester United first team star he looks up to ahead of the start of pre-season preparations for the 2021-2022 campaign.

The England youth international has hailed Spaniard Juan Mata as one of the cleverest players he has shared a pitch with.

Shoretire enjoyed extraordinary success last season, making his debuts in the Premier League 2, Premier League, Europa League and Papa John’s Trophy, and won Manchester United's Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

The hugely talented attack-minded player made his U18s debut while still a schoolboy and broke into the U23 squad as a 16-year-old.

Asked by United's official webpage to share his thoughts on playing up the age groups, Shoretire replied : "I think since I started playing football, I’ve always played at least one year up.

"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."

Shoretire tallied ten goals and assisted five others in 21 appearances for Manchester United U23 side last term.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : manutd.com

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