Playing against a bosom friend is always an expedition. From the streets of neighborhood to the practice grounds, knowing all the highs-and-lows to training each other; a stout competition is almost inevitable. If this is the case in non-professional football, imagine the level of intensity, sense of curiosity and felling of excitement the players will have in professional field.
English Premier League as they say is an industry of producing young talents who later transform into footballing whizkid. A bunch of academy graduates are making name for themselves and their families. But seldom do we see them performing and staging for a long period. While many are one-hit wonders, few turn into legends.
There are two young wizards of Premier League academy making their name in German League Bundesliga. Jadon Sancho, a product of Manchester City, presently playing for Borussia Dortmund and Reiss Nelson a loanee of Arsenal, playing for Hoffenheim. Both the players have been playing with each other from the age of 11 at the Southwark London Youth Games. And now they will be locking horns in a Bundesliga square-off between Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim.
Jadon Sancho is a limelight prospect of Dortmund and is all heads up to face his young compatriot Reiss Nelson. Sancho has propelled himself in the most subtle manner, growing and performing with time. The player has been successful in Yellow shirt scoring 7 goals and assisting 12 in total 25 appearances for Dortmund.
When asked about his success he said,
“People think that because I am doing so well [they will], but everyone’s journey is different. Mine was just to come out here and to work on me.”
“I couldn’t speak for other young players, but they are probably giving it a thought now. I felt at the time I needed something different.
“Borussia Dortmund were the club I chose, I thought this will be my new home and I’ll work very hard to prove myself.”
The 18-year-old will meet a familiar face in Reiss Nelson in front of 80,000 spectators when Dortmund host Hoffenheim. Reiss Nelson is less likely to start for the visitors, having made only 1 appearance for the club since November 3. On loan, the midfielder has scored 7 goals in 22 games for Hoffenheim.
But, the players may face-off each other in today’s meeting.
And Jadon Sancho is no less than excited to face his cage-friend Nelson.
“We used to play with each other in Southwark youth games, that is how we really got close, helping each other,” said Sancho.
“Then you’d grab a ball and play with friends in the football cages.”
“It will be very nice to stand on the pitch with him on Saturday, I hope we get that opportunity.
“It will be a nice memory for our families, as well coming from the same area and hopefully being proud of us.”
An Arsenal loanee on the spotlight against his longtime friend will be a treat to watch.
