Since he broke out in 2023 as the youngest player to play in the Nigeria National League One, NLO, at age 13 Raheem Salaudeen’s growth and development in the game has been phenomenal.
Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: Awoniyi Confident In Super Eagles’ Edge Over Benin Ahead Of AFCON Qualifier
The Buruj FC youngster football talent was never in doubt as he has two consecutive seasons in the NLO and yet he is under 15.
He was able to impress in the field of older men playing in the league and
no surprises when the handlers of the Future Super Eagles, the Nigeria U15 National Team, scouted and handed him a call up into the team as there is no hiding place for a gold fish in the pool.
A diamond shines, no matter what, he is the embodiment of raw football talents which his early exposure to the basics of the game through Buruj Football Academy is aiding his flight up the ladder of development.
His ability to play anywhere in the attack makes him so versatile as his understanding of the game is far above his age.
The 14 year old who loves Manchester City and Barcelona due to the unwavering love for Pep Guadiola’s coaching style , his ability to drift wide on either side of the flanks exploring the channels is a wonderful asset.
His excellent skill of picking out strikers with effective passes in good position, makes him a good midfielder playing in the hole behind the two strikers in a 4-3-1-2 formation while his quick turn and shoot skill makes him dangerous in the box which is an asset he loves to explore when he plays behind the lone striker upfront in 4-2-3-1 formation.
Though Raheem loves to wear the jersey number 10 jersey he is a midfielder you can bank when he loses the ball to fight back and regain it.
He loves to drop deep to defend his team when the need arises, which underline his tactical awareness of the game.
He has eyes for goals and a delight to watch with good control of the ball. To him the first touch is everything and he is very dangerous when he is in flight with the ball going forward, evading defenders with ease using his speed to maximum advantage.
He is fairly good with his dribbling, and shooting skills, the sky is the limit for the future Super Eagles player.
At his age, there is plenty of room for improvement, in both the technical and tactical aspects of the game.
His stay in the National U 15 camp is a training ground for him to continue to learn, develop and grow under tutelage of the national team handlers as he possesses the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world and fulfil his dream of playing for Manchester City and the Super Eagles in the near future.
He is a rising star who must be nurtured, guided.and encouraged to achieve his full potential as he has the world on his feet.
