Devesh Kumar
Manchester United starlet Zidane Iqbal names Zinedine Zidane and Paul Scholes as idols
Manchester United Under-23 midfielder Zidane Iqbal has named former France midfielder Zinedine Zidane and Red Devils’ legend Paul Scholes as the two players he looked up to.
Both players were midfielders during their playing days and were one of the best in the world. It is also hardly surprising to see Zidane’s name there, considering Iqbal shares his first name with the French legend.
Speaking to Pro Direct Soccer (h/t Manchester Evening News), the 19-year-old explained how he has tried to base his game on his idols.
“When I was younger, I’d watch Zinedine Zidane on YouTube. Also because I used to play a year down a lot, the coaches always used to mention Paul Scholes to me. I’d kind of just base my game off him and put myself in his shoes.”
Iqbal has been at the club’s academy since he was nine years old and has slowly risen through the ranks at the club. The 19-year-old made his first-team debut against BSC Young Boys last year in the Champions League under then-interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
He has impressed many at the club including Erik ten Hag who has promoted him to train with the first team. He has not played much this season, featuring in six games so far for the club in all competitions.
The midfielder is yet to play for the senior team this season. The 19-year-old was the only academy player to play in all of the games during United’s tour of Thailand and Australia in the summer, showing the huge potential that he has in him.
Midfield is a department that constantly needs an upgrade. The engine of the team, having good midfielders can win matches for even a weaker side against a dominant opponent. Iqbal is young and learning and could be considered the future of the club’s midfield.
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With the market cost of young midfielders going through the roof, Ten Hag could look in his backyard for reinforcements during the season. With the second half of the season congested with fixtures, it won’t be surprising to see the 19-year-old get some first-team minutes under the floodlights.
