New Brighton & Hove Albion signing Zadok Yohanna has named Lionel Messi and Michael Olise as his favourite players, while revealing that many of his former teammates in Nigeria liken his style of play to that of Algerian star Riyad Mahrez.

The 18-year-old midfielder completed a move to Brighton from Swedish side AIK Stockholm in a deal worth €28m plus €2m in add-ons after an impressive breakthrough season in Scandinavia.

Speaking in a recent video, Yohanna highlighted the players he enjoys watching most and the influence they have had on 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.

The former Ikon Allah FA player has earned a reputation for his flair, dribbling ability and creativity in the final third, qualities that have drawn comparisons with Mahrez from those who have watched him develop.

“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, one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, built his reputation on his technical brilliance, close control and ability to create and score goals. The Algerian won the Premier League with Leicester City before enjoying further success at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

Yohanna’s admiration for Olise also reflects his preference for inventive attacking players. The France international enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Bayern Munich last season after joining from Crystal Palace and has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.

Brighton moved swiftly to secure Yohanna’s signature after his rapid rise at AIK, where he impressed enough to become the most expensive player ever sold by a Swedish club.

The teenager has signed a five-year contract with the Seagulls and is expected to begin adapting to life in the Premier League ahead of the new season.