EXCLUSIVE
JADON SANCHO is flying in the face of football opinion – by modelling himself on Neymar.
The young England and Borussia Dortmund winger is gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s hottest stars after lighting up the Bundesliga this year.
And the 18-year-old has shown aside from his pace and skill he is strongminded with an unshakeable streak of self-confidence by insisting his modernday hero is Neymar.
That might be an unpopular choice in some quarters with Paris Saint-germain’s brilliant Brazilian dividing fans with his diving antics.
Neymar, the world’s most expensive player at £198million, was criticised by Liverpool stars for falling over too easily in their recent Champions League clash in the French capital.
That came after a summer of condemnation after play-acting during the World Cup in Russia when n he was ridiculed on social media.
But Sancho reckons Neymar r is a star to look up to despite his gamesmanship.
He said: “Growing up my favourite player was Ronaldinho. .
That speaks for itself really, he was such a great player and always played l d with a smile. Now it’s Neymar because he’s just different.
“He takes the mickey out of people. Obviously it’s not good – but he’s just being himself, he’s expressing himself and I love that.
“People are maybe not scared about doing what he does, but they just wouldn’t do the things he’s doing.
Impossible
“I just think when you are different you stand out more and I like when people stand out because it’s something different, an individuality on the pitch that you just don’t see every day.”
Sancho is aiming to be a role model himself – after taking the brave decision to follow his dream and leave England for Germany to gain the first- team exposure that was impossible at Manchester City.
The former City youth star left the Etihad after failing to gain any assurances he would get regular Premier League football under Pep Guardiola.
He was snapped up by Dortmund – and his career has gone into orbit with performances in Germany catching the eye of Gareth Southgate (inset) and a fast-track route into the England team.
“I think I can be a role model to people growing up. OK, I’m only 18 but age is just a number really. If you’re good enough, why not?
“In England especially, footballers don’t leave the country until they are at least 22.
“I would say to anyone, ‘don’t be afraid to follow me and make a move like this’. You are here for one reason and that’s to make it as a footballer.
“So when they come along you have to take your chances otherwise you can’t succeed. You can’t be your best if you don’t take chances.
Faith
“People ask me why Dortmund, a place where I don’t speak the language. But they play a lot of young players and they have faith in a lot of young players, and that’s really good when you are trying to develop as a player.
“That’s one of the main reasons I came. Plus it’s a big club in a big league, so w why not?
“It’s not been easy at times. It’s hard understanding the l anguage sometimes. I’m learning German but it’s taking time. t
“You just have to have a lot of balls to step up and say, ‘I’m gonna do what I’m gonna do and follow my dream’.
“For me, I was ready to play. Obviously City have a great team – I just felt my pathway was limited given the players City had so Dortmund was the best opportunity to express myself.”
Sancho’s fifth goal of the season yesterday proved a late winner to give Dortmund a 2-1 win at Schalke and go nine points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga.
He went on: “Young players feel more comfortable with the football at home. I’m not saying it’s wrong for them to stay. Players progress in different ways.
“My way was to go abroad and show people what I have. Those who choose to stay in England... I have no problem.
“I’m just showing people there are other teams who are willing to play young players. I want to be a player where people will say, ‘yeah, I want him in my team,’ and people like me for who I am.”
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