)
The Rivers United free kick specialist believes watching both players as a kid moulded him and he is hungry to attack and score more.
Rivers United sensation Ebube Duru has revealed that former Real Madrid and Manchester United fullbacks Marcelo and Evra are his role models.
Duru said this while responding to questions from Pulse Sports Nigeria after a successful outing with his club Rivers United in Port Harcourt in the NPFL.
Marcelo and Evra were two standout fullbacks who played for arguably two of the biggest teams in the world.
The former (Marcelo), who currently plays for Greek side Olympiacos, spent 16 years with the Los Blancos winning every title available while his colleague from France, Evra, spent eight years at English giant Manchester United.
Duru was the hero for the Pride of Rivers as they maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-0 win over Wikki Tourist on Wednesday.
Duru scored both goals, the first free kick from 30 yards out, his second goal from free kick this season, in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
Marcelo and Evra are my role models
Pulse Sports Nigeria spoke to the excellent wing-back following his incredible and man of the match performance against the Tourists.
Responding to questions from Pulse Sports about his role models after his marauding runs on the pitch for the NPFL champions, Duru said watching his role models Marcelo and Evra as a kid moulded his game.
)
“Right from when I was very young, my role models have been Marcelo, in terms of attacking, and offensively, Patrice Evra,” Duru told Pulse Sports Nigeria.
)
“So, that’s why most times I watch Real Madrid because of Marcelo - not just because of their winning but his style of play.”
)
“I try to watch more of the attacking when Madrid attack, how he (Marcelo) moves forward, how he’s calm, delivers his crosses and scores goals. I copy from him. I always want to do that right from when I started even from the days of my playing time in the amateur level before coming to the professional level. That’s why I love attacking - to do what Marcelo would.”
Duru joins top scorers
True to form, the wing-back was at his menacing best once again for Rivers United.
His brace against Wikki saw him join the race for the golden boot as it took his tally to three goals in five matches playing from the wingback position.
)
Duru also created three chances in the game and could have picked up at least an assist for his excellent showing but for his teammates’ profligacy.
However, he wants more and believes he can score more goals this season for his club in the league after matching his tally last season in just five games.
“Last season I scored three goals, so, I told myself I am going to surpass my tally (for goals and assists) this season,” he added.
“That’s why I am pushing towards it and every game I want to try to get forward and attack.”
Related content
)
19:58 - 01.02.2023
NPFL Rivers United maintain lead in Group B, Lobi, Abia Warriors secure late winners
Ebube Duru scored twice to give Rivers United the win in Port Harcourt, one of which was another free-kick goal.
)
19:30 - 01.02.2023
NPFL Bendel Insurance win 5th consecutive game, Remo Stars' Anakwe score in 17 seconds
Samuel Anakwe's goal becomes the fastest goal scored in the 2023 NPFL season, so far.
)
15:45 - 01.02.2023
NPFL Week 5 Updates: As it happened
Hello, and welcome to our live coverage of the NPFL. It's the fifth game week of the season. My name is Jidechi, and I'd be your guide across the grounds.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)