New Brighton & Hove Albion signing Zadok Yohanna has revealed that his former teammates in Nigeria compare him to Algerian star Riyad Mahrez because of his left-footed playing style, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who joined AIK Stockholm from Ikon Allah FA in Kaduna last year, quickly caught the eye with a series of impressive performances, earning a move to Brighton after just one season in a deal worth €28m, with a further €2m in add-ons.
The Seagulls secured the youngster on a five-year contract, making him the most expensive player ever sold from the Swedish Allsvenskan and Brighton’s 10th-most expensive signing.
In a recent video, Yohanna opened up about his style of play, revealing that he models his game on Mahrez.
“My teammates in Nigeria call me Riyad Mahrez; they say I dribble and play like him rather than Lamine Yamal or Olise,” Yohanna said.
Mahrez is one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers. At his peak, the left-footed playmaker was renowned for his close control, creativity, technical ability and eye for goal. He later played an integral role in Manchester City’s successes under Pep Guardiola after helping Leicester City win the Premier League title.
Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler has also expressed his excitement following Yohanna’s arrival.
Speaking about the club’s newest recruit, Hürzeler highlighted the qualities that convinced Brighton to move for the teenager.
“I’m looking forward to working with Zadok,” the German told BBC Sport.
“Having seen his games and his attributes, he is a player who can impact games in the final third.”
The Brighton manager, however, urged patience as the youngster adapts to his new environment.
“He’s still young and will need time to adapt to the club and the Premier League, but he’s an exciting player to watch and he brings the kind of creativity we know our fans will enjoy.”
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