Ahead of Liverpool’s Mo Salah: Ghana & Southampton star picks Austin Okocha as Premier League idol

Ghana and Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana has named Nigerian legend Austin Okocha as his ultimate footballing hero — despite never seeing him play live, Soccernet.ng reports.

Now 23, Sulemana was just eight years old when Austin Okocha hung up his boots in 2008 after a brief stint with Hull City.

And yet, the former Bolton Wanderers captain’s flamboyant style and trademark dribbling continue to inspire the Ghanaian talent today.

Okocha’s most iconic moments — including his Bundesliga Goal of the Year in 1993, his Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 1994, and his mesmerising performances at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics — all happened before Sulemana was old enough to remember. Yet the Nigerian’s legacy endures.

The former PSG star’s magical spell in the Premier League with Bolton, where he won Player of the Month in November 2003 and was crowned the club’s Player of the Year in 2005, clearly left a lasting impression on future generations. Austin Okocha was also voted the Best Player at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sulemana, who grew up dreaming of playing in the Premier League, spoke to Showmax about the players who have inspired him the most.

“In the Premier League, position wise I would have to say Jay-Jay Okocha,” Sulemana said.

“Obviously Ronaldinho is my idol, and we are similar in how we play, and we’re fun for people to watch, and he is the player I looked up to.

“But there are so many in the Premier League that have done incredibly well. The likes of Sadio Mane, who has been at Southampton, Mohammed Salah, Yaya Toure, Samuel Eto’o – there are so many names, but Jay-Jay Okocha is my go to.”

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He continued by highlighting the joy that players like Austin Okocha and Ronaldinho brought to fans.

“Ronaldinho and Jay-Jay made people smile as well; they made people enjoy the game. And that is what I want to do, but I want to be able to back it up with goals and assists. That is the only thing missing from my game. I am pushing and working hard to add to that game. I don’t only want to be an entertainer, but rather a complete player.”

Sulemana also picked Okocha in his dream five-a-side team of African Premier League stars — leaving out a goalkeeper to keep it classic “tiki-taka, small poles” style.

“I’m not choosing a goalkeeper because we are playing small poles, tiki-taka format, okay? Here they are: Yaya Toure, Michael Essien, Jay-Jay Okocha, Mohamed Salah, and Didier Drogba.

“Mohammed Salah will play on the right, Jay-Jay Okocha will play on the left, and then two players to hold in the middle with Didier Drogba up front. What a team with flair, right!”

The Ghana international, known for his electric pace and dazzling footwork, featured in 20 Premier League matches for Southampton this term, scoring once and assisting another. Despite his promise, the campaign ended in disappointment as the Saints were relegated to the Championship.