Pat's how i want to be, says Nigel
Nigel de Jong is relishing the chance to learn from the type of midfield general he has always wanted to be.
The combative Dutchman has earned glowing notices in a relatively short space of time since his move to City from Hamburg last year, but since January he’s been honing his skills alongside a player acknowledged as one of the best in the business.
Patrick Vieira, back in contention for Sunday’s trip to Sunderland after serving a suspension, is a player that Nigel happily admits to modelling himself on and he’s making the most of being around one of his heroes on a regular basis.
“I admired English football from a young age,” Nigel declares, “and especially the ‘midfield general’ type of player over here like Ince, Keane and Patrick Vieira. He was a player I really admired for his competitive spirit and it's great that he's here.
“Of course he was injured at first, and he's been suspended but he's back about his business now. What I really respect about him is his winning mentality. He's still hungry for success, he's hungry for the ball out on the pitch. He's 33 and he still has it, and it comes out in every aspect of what he does. In training, in games, he's always out to win and it's great to see.
“As a young player there's so much I can take from him. Of course the game has changed a bit since he left England, but he's still up there. I think he's one of the biggest players in the world, he carries himself so well and has a real charisma.
He's an inspiring character, he has a big list of trophies that he's won, and you could say he's been there and won that. That's a nice thing to have around younger players in a squad.
Roberto Mancini made the Frenchman his first signing after arriving at City, and he concurs with Nigel about what Patrick could contribute in the closing stages of the season.
“Patrick will be important to us, and this could be a big moment for him. He needs to play, and play very well not only for us but also for his own future.
“He knows what is needed at this time of a season, he did that for me at Inter and I expect him to play a big role in these next few games.”
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