Arsenal's Nigerian-Born Defender Names Koscielny, Mertesacker, Sergio Ramos As Players He Looked Up To

Ibadan-born defender Joseph Olowu has named two former Arsenal captains in the shape of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, as well as Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos as the players he looked up to while growing up.

The Hale End Academy product, who has been at Arsenal since he was 13, joined League of Ireland Premier Division side Cork City on loan in February to get a taste of first team football.

And the young center back has become a fan favourite at the Rebel Army, winning the club's Player of the Month for February following some outstanding displays at the heart of defence.

Asked to name the senior players he looked up to in particular at Arsenal, Olowu told Irish Football Fan TV : "As a young player being a center back at Arsenal, I looked up to Laurent Koscielny because I did like the way he played.

"He was a very good player, just how he carried himself around the club and the training ground, it was very good personally.

"Also Per Mertesacker, he was very useful, he was someone you could always go and talk to whenever you need to.

"Those are the only two players I have looked up to".

On his idols growing up, Olowu said : "When I was in primary school, I used to like to play around the playground thinking I was Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Then as I progressed and I understood I was going to be a center back, the player that I looked up to massively I'd say Sergio Ramos - his style of play, the way he leads both club and country, the passion and the way he plays."

Joseph Olowu was under consideration to be called up to the Nigeria squad for an U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan last year but the invitation was withdrawn due to a passport issue.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com