Zadok Yohanna: The Nigerian sensation who ‘plays like Lamine Yamal’ and shattered transfer records to join Brighton
A left-footed inverted winger operating primarily on the right flank in a 4-3-3, Yohanna can be a nightmare for full-backs. His explosive drive and tight close control make him difficult to handle one-on-one, but he has shown he is capable of taking on two players at a time.
“He has an impressive array of strengths, including his dribbling, close-range technique, outstanding one-on-one ability and a sensitive left foot,” Fredrik Wisur Hansen, AIK’s scouting manager, told Expressen.
Cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, he possesses a sharp shooting technique and a keen eye for playing penetrating balls into the penalty area.
Yohanna also puts his height to good use in the box as he drifted towards the back post whenever AIK attacked down the other opposite wing. His aerial prowess was on display with his crucial header in the draw against Elfsborg in the league, and he got another in the Svenska Cupen quarter-final defeat.
His spatial awareness allows him to drift centrally and operate effectively as an attacking midfielder, too.
In under a year, Yohanna made a big enough impression in Swedish football to attract other Premier League teams. Newcastle reportedly made an offer this year and Chelsea were said to be keen to sign him before the Seagulls swooped in with a Swedish record transfer fee and a five-year contract.
“I’m looking forward to working with Zadok,” coach Fabian Hurzeler said. “Having seen his games and his attributes, he is a player that can impact games in the final third.
“He’s still young and will need time to adapt to the club and Premier League, but he’s an exciting player to watch and he brings the kind of creativity we know our fans will enjoy. He’s dynamic, has pace and likes to take players on. His attributes and ability will be a real addition to our attacking options.”
