Barcelona star names Jay Jay Okocha as his dribbling role model.
Barcelona youngster Alejandro Balde has named Jay Jay Okocha as the ideal dribbler in a recent video.
The 19-year-old rose through the ranks at Barcelona and has increased in profile since making his debut in the 2021/22 season, becoming the undisputed starting left-back for the Blaugrana.
18:02 - 03.09.2023
Ronaldo vs Messi: Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha settles GOAT debate
Legendary Nigerian midfielder Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha has chosen a side in the long-running debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
11:59 - 04.09.2023
‘Hopefully, I'm able to do that’- Iwobi wants to emulate Okocha
Iwobi is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha following his move to Fulham.
What Balde said
The Spain international was asked to build his ideal football team, naming the players whose abilities he thinks are the best in terms of dribbling, defending, positioning, speed, engine, strength, passing, and intelligence.
Despite growing up at a club where one of the most efficient dribblers of all time, Lionel Messi, played, Balde picked Nigerian and African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha as his preferred dribbler for his ideal footballer.
He picked himself for speed, his manager Xavi Hernandez for positioning, Andrea Pirlo for passing, N'golo Kante's engine, Lionel Messi's intelligence, Ronald Araujo's defence, and Clarence Seedorf's strength.
Jay Jay Okocha, one of the best dribblers of all time
"So good they named him twice," Jay Jay Okocha is generally regarded as one of the most skilled footballers of all time, and it is easy to see why Balde, who was only about five years old when Okocha retired, rates him highly.
In 1995, the former Bolton midfielder completed an incredible 15 dribbles against Italy at the 1994 World Cup in the USA. This, according to My Nigeria, is the most by a single player in a match since 1966 and remains the record since 1994.
Related content
22:06 - 04.09.2023
Xavi set to renew Barcelona contract despite UCL failures
According to reports, Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi Hernandez on a contract renewal.
15:00 - 03.09.2023
Barcelona star Lewandowski could face lengthy ban after saying ‘refs are killing league’
Robert Lewandowski could be issued a lengthy ban after making a statement towards the referee.
17:21 - 02.09.2023
Barcelona Negreira scandal: Police conclude investigation, say referees 'not impartial'
The Civil guard have determined that referees in Spain were not impartial during the reign of the referee chief Barcelona were found paying Enrique Negreira.
12:30 - 02.09.2023
Ansu Fati: Reason heir to Messi's Barcelona number 10 moves to Brighton
Why Ansu Fati Barcelona’s heir to Lionel Messi has moved to Brighton
08:29 - 02.09.2023
Top 5 transfer deals completed on deadline day across the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and Bundesliga
Which of these teams will regret their deadline day activity and which teams got the best deals at the end of the summer transfer window?
07:35 - 02.09.2023
Asisat Oshoala: Super Falcons star celebrates as Barcelona departs Mexico with trophy
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala played her part as Barcelona departs Mexico with a trophy.
14:32 - 01.09.2023
LALIGA EA SPORTS preview: Real Madrid's Bernabéu return and Atleti target more goal-fest
Matchday 3 witnessed a festival of goals, with Atletico Madrid leading the pack after putting seven past Rayo Vallecano. But who will score the most goals this weekend?