Slavia Prague striker Yira Sor has spoken about his big dreams for his future, citing the careers of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe as his aspirations.
The 21-year-old left Lagos-based football academy 36Lion FC for Europe last year, signing with Banik Ostrava in Czech Republic. His talents stood out and within a year, he was signed by Slavia Prague for €1.2 million, the biggest club in the country.
He has since gone on to become a mainstay in their squad and has featured for them in European competitions as well. His versatility has also helped him and the club as he can feature in centre-forward or right-wing roles, as well as play behind the striker.
Sor speaks on great ambitions
He is one of the prospects of Czech football who is drawing attention from all across Europe. He is also on the cusp of a national team call-up although he will have serious competition for a place in the squad.
Currently on holiday, Sor was chatting with a Nigerian football social media influencer on his first year abroad and his aspirations for the future when he mentioned his dream to emulate the two best young prospects in the game.
“I am someone that dreams big, and I am always confident that I can get to the very best,” Sor said. “I believe, and I think I can get to the level of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland.
“I am so confident and I believe in myself. Whenever I get an opportunity, I try to grab it. I wish to play in the Champions League, I wish someday to represent my country, and maybe win trophies. And then, maybe compete for the best player in Africa, and the Balon d’Or.”
Aribo: I am no longer doubtful of myself
Elsewhere, 70-game man Joe Aribo has spoken about leaving behind self-doubt in order to become a well-rounded player.
The former Charlton Athletic midfielder was the most used player in football last season, after playing a combined 70 games for club and country. He has earned praise for his tenacity and fitness as well as strong advice to find enough time to rest to prevent burnout.
Aribo thanked his manager at Glasgow Rangers, Giovanni van Bronckhorst for his development and for the confidence to be able to come out of his shell and show up in every game he played last season.
The Dutch tactician fielded Aribo in a number of roles last season. The most surprising of them all was when he asked the 25-year-old to play in the centre-forward role in the final of the UEFA Europa League. Aribo scored, but it was not enough as Rangers fell 2 – 1 to Eintracht Frankfurt to lose the title.
“Playing in different positions has helped me realise what I’m capable of doing and also given me an opportunity to keep growing,” Aribo said. “As a young footballer craving a chance to play, you’d grab the chance to even play in goal. But here I am being asked to play for my club in different roles on the pitch, I was happy to do it.
“I must say I am no longer the player I was after going through that phase [of self-doubt]. I am grateful to the manager for the trust, my teammates for believing in me and supporting me.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 6 months ago
