Januzaj reveals United legends Ronaldo and Beckham were two of his biggest influences

By Elliott Bretland

PUBLISHED: 14:56 EST, 4 March 2014 | UPDATED: 12:19 EST, 5 March 2014

Manchester United's teenage sensation Adnan Januzaj has revealed David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo were two of the players who influenced him as he was growing up.

The 19-year-old, who has burst onto the scene with the Red Devils this season, revealed the two former Old Trafford No 7s were among his favourite players when he was a youngster.

Describing Brazilian Ronaldinho as another player he enjoyed watching, left-footed Januzaj told United Uncovered: 'When I was young, I loved football so much and I really enjoyed just watching players. If somebody like Ronaldinho was playing, for instance, everyone wants to see his qualities and knows he can do anything with the ball.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Adnan Januzaj freestyle with Ryan Giggs

Big influences: Adnan Januzaj revealed Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham are two of his favourite players

Big influences: Adnan Januzaj revealed Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham are two of his favourite players

Free-kick king: David Beckham mastered the art of the set-piece and scored many times for Man United

Free-kick king: David Beckham mastered the art of the set-piece and scored many times for Man United

World class: Despite being left-footed, Januzaj also focused on right-footed players like Cristiano Ronaldo

World class: Despite being left-footed, Januzaj also focused on right-footed players like Cristiano Ronaldo

All smiles: Ronaldinho's tricks and skills made him one of the most exciting players of a generation

All smiles: Ronaldinho's tricks and skills made him one of the most exciting players of a generation

'And I never just focused on left-footed players because there are some great right-footers as well - Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham for example.'

The wideman, who also listed Zindeine Zidane, Kaka and Juan Roman Riquelme among his other favourite players, revealed the No 10 position is the position he appreciates the most.

'Zidane, Riquelme and Kaka are all no.10s and that's the type of player I admire,' he said.

 

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'I played in the no.10 role against Norwich City in the Capital One Cup game earlier this season and really enjoyed it, but I can also play on the wing and I'm used to playing there.'

The Belgian-born youngster is pleased to be playing with several talented stars at Man United and is keen to keep improving: 'I am surrounded by lots of great players here at United and I am learning every day.

'I have worked hard for my chance. The boss gave me an opportunity to prove myself so I've tried to do my best with it.'

Skills: France legend Zinedine Zidane also ranks among Januzaj's favourite players as he was growing up

Skills: France legend Zinedine Zidane also ranks among Januzaj's favourite players as he was growing up

Midfield maestros: Januzaj also admired South American frontmen Kaka (right) and Juan Roman Riquelme (left)
Midfield maestros: Januzaj also admired South American frontmen Kaka (right) and Juan Roman Riquelme (left)

Midfield maestros: Januzaj also admired South American pair Kaka (right) and Juan Roman Riquelme (left)

Adaptable: Januzaj played in the No 10 role for Manchester United against Norwich in the Capital One Cup

Adaptable: Januzaj played in the No 10 role for Manchester United against Norwich in the Capital One Cup

 

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Its scary. They both ended up at Real Madrid.

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of course they were....just another form of badge kissing....

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it is early days yet for januzaj should not expect too much too soon.

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Thought City fans were from Stockport?

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The ronaldo one is clear to see. He is brilliant at freekicks too so hopefully he gets a mixture of both! Been the one bright spark this season and i know im not alone in hoping he gets the No.7 next season

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So??? What your really saying is you want to follow in Ronaldo & Beckhams footsteps???? TO REAL MADRID pahaha

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Also, Jese at Madrid is better at this age.

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And that has what to do with this article?

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I reckon is saying this kid only gets attention due to the typical British media. When Jese at rm is a better player.

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Seen nothing of him since those goals at Sunderland. Looks a flash in the pan. Forced into the first team because your season has been rubbish and you need a shining light. He will be on loan at Doncaster this time next year.

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This is a future Ballon d'Or winner...in 2 seasons he will slaughtering defenders with the famous 7 on his back

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Course he will mate. Once his voice breaks, he stops diving and joins another club.

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To all those going on about what a great player he is going to be and how he is a future Ballon Dor winner, try and remember, there are more Terry Cookes & Lee Sharpes than there are Giggs. Let the boy try and make a career for himself rather than heap unneeded expectation upon his shoulders (even though we know how desperate you are).

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Haha, clown.

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Well said blob ! And to carrot top grow up

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Future Ballon d'Or winner.

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