‘Everyone wanted to play like him’ - Ferdinand names Jay-Jay Okocha as best ever skilful player
i

Ferdinand names Jay-Jay Okocha || Imago

‘Everyone wanted to play like him’ - Ferdinand names Jay-Jay Okocha as best ever skilful player

Stephen Oladehinde 12:34 - 29.11.2024

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has ranked Austin Jay-Jay Okocha as one of the greatest football players of all time in terms of skill.

Okocha has been known for his skills during his playing days for Hull City and Bolton in the English Premier League.

The midfield player's ability to entertain and outsmart defenders with his cunning move left spectators and opponents in amazement.

His skills caught the attention of Ferdinand, who has claimed the Super Eagles legend is the best player to come out of Nigeria.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Football News from Pulse Sports.

Ferdinand picks Okocha in his team

In an interview with Mail Sport, Ferdinand was asked to create his ideal football player and he picked Okocha in his team.

Rio Ferdinand, Man United legend || Imago
Rio Ferdinand, Man United legend || Imago

The former captain of Manchester United chose the right foot of his buddy and former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after selecting the left foot of Argentine World Cup winner Diego Armando Maradona.

After choosing Barcelona Xavi's football IQ, he chose Adebayo Akinfenwa, another player with Nigerian lineage.

The 46-year-old first chose Neymar's skills but ultimately decided against it in favour of Kylian Mbappe's pace. 

He then went with the skilful Jay-Jay Okocha, a former midfielder for the Super Eagles to finalise his ideal footballer.

Ferdinand has always admired Okocha for his skills and spoke about his impact in 2018. He said, “We used to watch Jay Jay Okocha’s videos, and everyone wanted to play like him. 

Jay Jay Okocha || Imago
Jay Jay Okocha || Imago

“It was great seeing him in the Premier League after making his name with Eintracht Frankfurt and PSG. 

“Nigerian players of that era—Okocha, Oliseh, Kanu—had a huge influence on black players worldwide.” 

Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to social media platforms to name Austin Jay Jay Okocha as their favourite player of all time.

Tags: