Adeleye relishes Onana comparision

Hapoel Jerusalem goalkeeper, Adebayo Adeleye, says he relishes being compared to Inter Milan keeper, Andre Onana and hopes to emulate some of his attributes but he was quick to add that former Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama remains his idol, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 23-year-old looks and style of play has led to a comparison of him and the Manchester United summer target, Onana.

“It’s good to be compared with one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment,” Adeleye told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“We are both Africans doing great things over there. He carries a dreadlock and my hairstyle looks similar as well and we are both handsome as well.

“But I’m completely different. We play in a different league. I try to do my job and try to learn more to reach his level because he is one of the best in the world.

“He (Onana) is a ball-playing goalkeeper who is so confident on the ball with his feet and I like to watch him a lot. “It is good to be compared with a top goalkeeper in the world like him but I have always loved watching Enyeama because he is my idol. They both have different qualities which I try to adapt during match situations.

“Modern football demands that now from goalkeepers so one must adapt to new playing style. For me, it is good, it helps me a lot. So, I feel good with that playing style. I do more of that as well in Israel.

The former U-20 star also relished making his debut for the Eagles in their 3-2 win over Sierra Leone last month but rued failing to keep a clean sheet in the encounter.

“At least I made a winning start with the team regardless,” Adeleye replied when asked how he felt conceding twice on his debut.

“No goalkeeper likes conceding goals but we must not forget that the team won and we are through to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Adeleye was named the best goalkeeper in the Israeli top flight last season after recording eight clean sheets in 20 games, albeit he conceded 20 goals.