Coach of Sparta Rotterdam Henk Fraser has given an insight on why Maduka Okoye has cemented his spot as first choice for club and country.
Around this time last year , the 21 year old was 4th choice at Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany, same position he found himself in the senior national team of Nigeria with no professional game to his name.
From then to now he has grown to the role of first choice for Nigeria and also Sparta Rotterdam with performances especially for his club earning him praises from fans , coaches and teammates.
Speaking on the rise of Okoye , Fraser who was instrumental in the signing of Okoye on a two year deal with the option of another two years explained how he made the step up for both club and country.
The coach went as far as comparing Okoye with legendary Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Ed de Goey who was the first shot stopper of the club to make a move to a big team when he moved to Feyenoord In 1990.
“You can compare his situation with that of De Goeij”, says Fraser. “Both keepers already had a lot of talent at a young age, but also the right character to develop further. When I made the choice for Benji (Van Leer, ex Sparta first choice) Okoye got to work with it very well. the reason he’s so good is because Benji is fighting back. So he also feels the pressure to perform. ”
“I like keepers who are dynamic and athletic”, Fraser continues about Okoye. “He is, a big body too. But it’s about holding back balls. And he does that more than properly too.”
