Having attracted a modest rating of 6.5/10 in his first league match in the Spanish La Liga 2 match for Almeria last weekend (against Deportivo La Caruna which ended 0:0) , Under 23 international Valentine Ozornwafor will surely be on his way to becoming a high quality centre defender if he continues to feature regularly (with stellar performances) as the season progresses.
It was hoped that the 20 year old would break into Galastasaray's main team after completing a summer move to the Turkish giants however he was loaned to Almeria.
Speaking to Brila.net recently on the rationale for the loan move, the left-footed centre defender said: “ I spoke with my coach at Galastasaray and he told me how good I am and why I can’t make the first team this season but suggested I move on loan to get playing time and further develop.”
And the journey to that playing time occurred when Valentine was introduced in 65 minutes over the weekend to show what he has to offer.
He was quite decent in his play, having a passing accuracy of 75% (6 passes) and making 3 clean clearances.
The former Flying Eagle made 1 interception and blocked 1 shot in the 25 minutes that he spent on the pitch. He also made his height advantage felt, winning 3 aerial duels.
It was a very good start for the young defender who said recently: “all I want to do is to learn every day to develop myself every day; that’s the most important thing, It does not matter where I’m, what’s important is, how I adapt and how I will be the top player I want to be.”
With continuous hard work, focus and concentration (and luck), Ozornwafor might well be on his way to being a “Top Player!”.