Yohanna names Messi and Olise as his top players

Zadok Yohanna, the new signing for Brighton & Hove Albion, has named Lionel Messi and Michael Olise as his favorite players. He also shared that many of his old teammates in Nigeria say he plays like Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The 18-year-old midfielder joined Brighton from AIK Stockholm in Sweden. The deal was worth €28 million, with an extra €2 million in add-ons after he had a great breakthrough season in Scandinavia.

In a recent video, Yohanna talked about the players he enjoys watching and how they influence his game.

"My favourite player is Lionel Messi and I think right now I like Michael Olise. I also play like Riyad Mahrez," Yohanna said.

Yohanna, who played for Ikon Allah FA, has developed a reputation for his flair, dribbling skills, and creativity. People who have watched him play often compare him to Mahrez.

"My teammates in Nigeria call me Riyad Mahrez; they say I dribble and play like him rather than Lamine Yamal or Olise," he added.

Mahrez is known as one of Africa’s top footballers. He built his name on his technical skills, close control, and ability to score and create goals. He won the Premier League with Leicester City and later found more success at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

Yohanna’s admiration for Olise shows he likes creative attacking players. The France international had an excellent season with Bayern Munich after moving from Crystal Palace and has become one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.

Brighton acted quickly to sign Yohanna after his impressive rise at AIK. He became the most expensive player ever sold by a Swedish club.

The teenager has signed a five-year contract with Brighton and is expected to start getting used to life in the Premier League as the new season approaches.