World Cup Talent Scout: Oghenekaro Etebo
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ByEurosport
Updated 11/06/2018 at 19:09 GMT
Tom Adams was at Wembley to run the rule over Las Palmas star Oghenekaro Etebo. Marcus Foley supplied all the background information.
Oghenekaro Etebo
Image credit: Reuters
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Etebo most notably came to prominence at the Rio Olympics, where he hit four goals as the Super Eagles claimed a surprise bronze. His career, though, has been a touch stop-start, with a move from Warri Wolves to Primeira Liga club Feirense back in January of 2016 proving a little underwhelming, with work permit issues delaying his debut.
And while he performed admirably as Feirense finished eighth upon their return to the Portuguese top flight, he has, considering his early promise, failed to fulfil expectations; a conversion to a defensive midfield role will have hardly helped the bedding in period, mind.
However, the 22-year-old has, since moving to Las Palmas on loan in January of this year, been a rare bright spark in what was otherwise a poor season for La Union Deportiva. But, with Las Palmas relegated to Segunda División, the midfielder could again be on the move.
And the Nigeria international made the switch to recently-relegated Stoke City ahead of the World Cup.
PROFILE
- Age: 22
- Club: Las Palmas (on loan)
- Previous clubs: Warri Wolves (2013-16), Feirense (2016-).
- Position: Central midfield/left midfield
- Linked to: Newcastle United, Stoke City
- Market Value: £2 million
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Oghenekaro Etebo of Nigeria
Image credit: Reuters
PRE-MATCH CHATTER
Strengths: The goals have dried up after an impressive goal return at first club Warri Wolves but Etebo remains a threat going forward from deep, where his ability to carry the ball at pace allows the Super Eagles to transition quickly.
Weaknesses: The lack of goals. Etebo has progressed into more of a box-to-box midfielder after largely playing in a primarily attacking role in his early years but he failed to score for Las Palmas since his January switch. A settled position would certainly help..
IN-GAME REALITY
Etebo was one of four substitutes summoned from the bench at half-time by Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr and he certainly played his part in transforming the game. England had carved out a comfortable 2-0 lead by half-time but Rohr's switch to a back three from a back four gave Nigeria the upper hand and Etebo was instrumental in his side's ability to get more of a hold in midfield.
With his mobility making a big difference for Nigeria, Etebo played in the holding role and in conjunction with John Ogu he provided the platform for Alex Iwobi to shine in a more central role in the second half. Iwobi scored the Nigeria goal as they threatened to turn the game on its head.
Despite being one of the younger members of the squad, Etebo clearly commands some authority amongst the team and took responsibility for a couple of set-pieces. He set up John Obi Mikel for a shot from outside the box and delighted the masses of Nigeria fans inside Wembley when he twisted and turned away from Harry Kane at one stage.
Nigeria looked a far more viable proposition after the break and with the Croatia of Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric to come in Nigeria's first game at the World Cup, it would be no surprise to see Etebo elevated to a starting role in Russia. On the evidence of Saturday's match at Wembley, he is a player who can improve his team significantly.
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Oghenekaro Etebo
Image credit: Reuters
EXPERT VIEW FROM SPAIN
Gonzalo Vazquez, Eurosport.es:
Las Palmas acquired Etebo in January and he played almost the rest of the season. He is not the most hyped player in the Spanish League, honestly, but he ended this season as one of the best players at Las Palmas. He often destroyed defenders with his explosiveness. His physique is his great strength. A little anarchic at the same time, but he looks at home at this level. He is one of the hidden talents of La Liga.
WHAT THEY SAID ON TWITTER
WHO SHOULD BUY HIM
On this evidence Etebo looks like he could be an asset for any team in the bottom half of the Premier League table - maybe he will get even more of a chance to show what he is all about in Russia. If Newcastle are interested they could do a lot worse.
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