Spanish LaLiga side Getafe have been told that they have a jewel in their hands in the person of their summer signing Uche Chrisantus who joined the team from 3rd division side Cueta, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Chrisantus joined the team on a four year deal and has already joined up with the main team for pre season training ahead of the start of next season. The 20 year old is hoping to have a breakthrough season with the modest side.
Doubts still exist about the Nigerian making the jump to the first division and stamping his authority, but Jose Juan Romero who guided the Nigerian since his move to Spain thinks those fears are wide off the mark.
“There were clubs that asked me about him to bring him into their reserve teams. I told them: ‘Are you crazy? How is he going to go to a reserve team?'” He is totally confident that Uche is ready for the elite level.
He recalled how he first spotted the talent of the midfielder in a test game against Sevilla and immediately ensured he is made a part of the first team at Cueta.
“I put him in the starting line-up against Sevilla and it seemed like he’d been with us all his life. He competed head-to-head against a Primera team at a very high level. From that moment on, I told Edu Villegas (sports director) and Víctor that this kid was going to stay in the first team,” he said.
Romero who managed the Real Betis youth team for over ten years said he saw the likes of established Spanish internationals like Rodri and Fabian Ruiz among others, but none is at the level of Uche saying he is prime to have a big career both for his club and even senior international level for Nigeria.
“Fabián Ruiz, Junior Firpo, Loren, Paul, Aitor Ruibal, Rodri… I was fortunate to have all of them at Betis Deportivo when they were young and I love them madly, but this one, at his age, is above me. I think I’m not going to be wrong in what I say. As soon as he adapts and has better records, Getafe will do a big deal with him very soon.
” He cannot spend two years in the First Federation, he needs to take another step forward.The demands of the game and training at a higher level will make him increase his records.” It is clear that Getafe has signed a gem… and that Bordalás will have another brilliant soldier to polish: “With him you have the feeling of saying: ‘My God, we are looking at a footballing beast’. I know he will succeed. You can call me again in a couple of years… “.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
