Dubai: The UAE’s versatile playmaker Omar Abdul Rahman has added another feather in his long list of achievements after being named “Asia’s best footballer” in the latest edition of the FourFourTwo sports magazine.
In the interview, Omar has candidly accepted the influence in his life from some of football’s greats including Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. “Zidane made football look so simple and this is what makes the best players stand out, an ability to make the incredible seem simple,” Omar says in the interview.
“The way he played intrigued me, I wanted to try and copy what Isaw from him on the pitch. I’ve tried to do that since — his control, his vision,” the UAE and Al Ain playmaker has added.
“Of the current players out there, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are out of this world; they are superstar players with amazing abilities. Andres Iniesta is also someone I admire — his touches, his passing; this is a style that I enjoy watching,” Omar adds.
“I try to look at the best practices from all the greatest players, to take the positive aspects of the way they play and make myself a better player. I want to learn the best way forward to develop myself.”
The 25-year-old Omar is one of the main stars in the UAE having been on the teams that won the AFC Youth Championships and playing at the 2012 London Olympic Games. The Al Ain player has also had a training stint with Premier League side Manchester City. “What I remember most [during his time at Manchester City] is the discipline and the professionalism of the academy. Every training session was as important as a game — it was given the same value. I still remember that time at Manchester City and I try to do the same now with Al Ain or the UAE national team. Preparation is so important; you must give 100 per cent in training so you can give 110 per cent in a match,” he says.
Asked about goals for the future, Omar has been direct to state that he would one day love to move into a big European club like Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea or Real Madrid. “I watch the European leagues, I watch Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid — it’s exciting to watch these big teams and I like to see how technical the game is. It’s on a higher level,” he notes.
“Of course I believe that I can play for these clubs and with these players. We must believe in ourselves. I know I can do it, especially as I would be supported by excellent teammates who would help me fit in. I feel I am capable and, God willing, one day I will get the chance to play in Europe,” Omar says.
