Leipzig’s new top talent Antonio Nusa has defended himself against comparisons with Brazil’s superstar Neymar. “I don’t know why that’s my nickname. I think it’s because Neymar was one of my role models when I was growing up as a child. I love watching him and I think he’s a fantastic player,” said the 19-year-old according to kicker, adding: “I’m not the new Neymar, I’m the new Antonio. I don’t need that nickname, I just want to be myself.”
Nusa immediately attracted attention with his first goal in the DFB Cup against Rot-Weiß Essen. “It was a great first week,” said the Norwegian in a media round: “I enjoyed it.”
RB signed Nusa for 22 million euros from Club Brugge. The attacking player, who signed a five-year contract, is set to replace Dani Olmo, who left for FC Barcelona. “I know that Dani Olmo was a really great player at the club and made a good impression here. I want to fill those gaps and shine in my own way,” said Nusa.
His new colleagues don’t want to put “any pressure” on him, as national player David Raum recently stressed. But if Nusa continues to develop like this, “he is a player with huge potential who will help us.”
Nevertheless, coach Marco Rose warned against having too high expectations of Nusa: “He will have a bad game now and then, we have to give him time.” He will “also have to improve a little physically.”
(sid)
