​N’Zonzi: “I’m the new Vieira? I wish…Makelele is my inspiration. Sam Allardyce tried to call me up for England"

When asked if he is the new Vieira, N’Zonzi modestly responds with an “I wish”. In terms of size, Sevilla’s midfielder isn’t too far off from Patrick, but class and trophy list aren’t even comparable. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports his interview ahead of Sevilla-Juventus:

“The first game against Juve was crucial: It told us we can defend. At the time we had a great team in front of us, who added the likes of Higuain and Pjanic to a team with an already stunning defence. At the time we were still in the early stages of our coach Sampaoli’s work. As of now we’re much more aware of our capabilities. We can play with 3 or 4 at the back, no problem. Sampaoli has great ambition, he knows how to communicate with the players and radiate his enthusiasm”.

One of Sevilla’s strengths lies with Frenchman Samir Narsi: “I was expecting a rebirth on his end. Samir has unquestionable quality. National team? In France they don’t even know I’m French….Jokes aside, all I can do is work and wait. I could still play for Congo, a door that is definitely not closed yet. Sam Allardyce tried to call me up for England, but I wasn’t eligible”.

Finally, he comments on his comparison with a footballing legend: “Vieira? I wish! Patrick won everything in his career, I’ve only gotten one Europa League. As a kid, I looked up to Makelele. Physically we’re different, but watching him play for Real Madrid was everything to me. He was surrounded by superstars like Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, Raul, and there he was closing down all over the pitch. Not too mention he’s from Congo like me, Vieira is from Senegal…”

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