Ryan, 16, can show he’s tops in game that matters
RYAN SESSEGNON is the 16-year-old who has been scouted by Manchester United, City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
The left-back has been likened to Gareth Bale but, according to his Fulham team-mates, is like any other teenager.
Sessegnon keeps to himself in the corner but now faces Tottenham in the FA Cup on TV today, giving everyone the chance to see what the fuss is about.
The trouble is, the prospect is spending so much time playing football, it is affecting his video gaming.
When Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald noticed everyone except Sessegnon had a Nintendo DS, he went out and bought him one.
Now he has warned ‘Sess’ not to give up the day job.
‘We have a laugh,’ said McDonald. ‘He’s only 16 and has such massive potential, it’s incredible.
‘He’s so quiet — just plays these games on his phone.
‘I play him at this game called 8-Ball Pool and he’s terrible, shocking. We’ve started playing Mario Kart but he’s the worst player I’ve ever seen at it.’
Asked whether Sessegnon was simply letting him win, McDonald added: ‘No, no. Ask anyone. All the boys have a good bit of banter. “Who’s last? Oh, Sess is still playing.” He’s a nice kid.’ Sessegnon has scored in Fulham’s last two FA Cup ties, including the win over Premier League Hull.
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic feels he can become one of the best.
‘It’s up to him,’ Jokanovic said. ‘To be the best, you have to sacrifice. Forget the family, forget the friends, forget the money. He is a kid in a business for adults. I treat him like an adult.’