Manchester United Icon Picks Better Dribbler Between Jay Jay Okocha and Neymar

• Austin Jay Jay Okocha’s dribbling skills have been compared to that of former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Neymar
• The former Nigeria captain is regarded as one of the best dribblers in football during his playing career
• Okocha starred for teams like Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton during the peak of his football career

Austin Jay-Jay Okocha’s dribbling ability has always been undeniable, earning him a reputation as one of Africa’s most gifted footballers.

The former Nigerian captain enjoyed a remarkable career, showcasing his talent at top European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Fenerbahce, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bolton Wanderers.

In 2012, Bleacher Report ranked Okocha among the greatest dribblers of all time, highlighting his exceptional passing range and creativity.

The former PSG star also set a record for the most dribbles attempted in a single game at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, completing 15 successful dribbles against Italy in the Round of 16.

Read also

Four Ghana-eligible players who could choose the Black Stars over their birth country

Okocha was a major influence on the playing style of several other footballers across the globe, including German playmaker Mesut Ozil as well as Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho and Rio Ferdinand backed it up with proof.

Ferdinand rates Okocha better than Neymar

Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Ferdinand has picked the trickery of Okocha above the skills of Neymar when asked to build his ideal footballer, Soccernet reports.

“We used to watch Jay Jay Okocha’s videos, and everyone wanted to play like him. It was great seeing him in the Premier League after making his name with Eintracht Frankfurt and PSG.

“Nigerian players of that era—Okocha, Oliseh, Kanu—had a huge influence on black players worldwide,” Ferdinand uttered.

Okocha also had a successful international career with the Super Eagles, winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and the 1996 Olympic Gold medal with the Dream Team

Ronaldinho hails Okocha’s football skills

Read also

10 Most talented Ghanaian players who should have been very successful abroad

Elsewhere, Ronaldinho has hailed Okocha as the ‘Lord of dribbles’ but sadly admitted his former teammate did not reach the peak of his footballing prowess.

The pair shared the dressing room at PSG during Ronaldinho’s early years at the French club where he learnt a few skills from the mercurial Nigerian midfielder.

Okocha would later join Bolton in England while Ronaldinho reached the echelon of football when he left France to join Barcelona.

Ferdinand tells Carragher to respect AFCON

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that, former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has criticised Jamie Carragher for describing the Africa Cup of Nations as not a major tournament.

His comments on Sky Sports while arguing why Mohamed Salah is at a disadvantage in winning the Ballon d'Or has led to an uproar from lovers of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Read also

Ex Real Madrid Star Makes Surprise Pick When 'Settling' Ronaldo and Messi GOAT Debate

While some have described his statement as disrespectful, others including Ferdinand has called respect for the tournament.

The Africa Cup of Nations is the continent's flagship competition, where the best countries in Africa compete for the topmost prize.

Source: AFP