Flying Eagles defender Benjamin Frederick identifies Real Madrid and Spanish defender Sergio Ramos as his idol npflupdates.com reports.
Benjamin Frederick was part of Isah Ladan Bosso’s Flying Eagles team at this year’s U-20 African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) played in Egypt; where Nigeria achieved a podium finish by winning the Bronze medal.
Also read: Benjamin Frederick Grants First Explosive Interview At Brentford
The 18-year-old also was part of the Flying Eagles squad at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament in Argentina; where Nigeria reached a knockout stage before been eliminated by Korea.
Benjamin Frederick due to his performances and quality secured a lucrative loan move to England’s Brentford B team. He will stay at the club until the end of this season, though the club has a clause which provides them with an opportunity of signing him on permanent basis.
Benjamin Frederick talks about similarities with Spanish legend Sergio Ramos
Speaking to Brentford Official website , Benjamin revealed he looks up to Sergio Ramos. According to the former Nasarawa United defender, he share some striking similarities with the Spanish football legend.
“I look up to Sergio Ramos, he’s my role model. I love his mentality on the pitch and off the pitch,” said Frederick.
“When I’m on the pitch I always want to play like Ramos … because his mentality on the pitch, he hates losing. I hate losing, I always want to win.”
Also read: Standout Flying Eagles Sensation Nears Lucrative European Move
Speaking further, the former ABS player appreciated the help he enjoyed from compatriot and Super Eagles Midfielder Frank Onyeka. Onyeka is currently contracted with Brentford’s senior team, and is helping them challenge for titles in the English top flight division.
“He (Frank Onyeka) told me a lot about the club, he told me I need to work hard, he told me the club is a good club, it’s like a family and I’ve seen it since I’ve been here.
“The players always encourage me … everybody loves me and I love all my mates, I’m grateful for that.”
Reminiscing on his early beginning, Frederick talked about the difficulties a rising footballer faces in Nigeria. Per his statement, it’s not always very easy, as the grassroot players lacked sponsors.
“In Nigeria coming up, it’s not easy. No sponsor, no help, you just have to try to hustle to buy boots for yourself … most times my dad didn’t have money to afford boots for me, so I had to hustle to buy boots for myself,” said Benjamin Frederick.
XFrom the youth level to the academy level you just have to work very hard, you need to work hard off and on off the pitch … it’s not easy back there in Nigeria, you need to work very hard.”
He continued, “When I came here, the pitches were good, fantastic. In Nigeria, some pitches have some holes which you can injure yourself in.”
Frederick admitted there has been some important adjusting for him so he can adapt to the different game style in England.
Also read: Mikel Obi : Super Eagles Play Different Type Of Football
He added, “In England, you have to keep the ball, you have to start the ball from the back … to the midfield, to the attack. In Nigeria … it’s very different, but I’ve been adapting.
“The first time I came I was panicking because I was afraid to lose the ball, but now I feel more confident on the ball, I believe no one can take the ball off my leg.”
