Aldershot Town supporter Dutchy Holland tells us about non-league's answer to Chelsea legend Claude Makélélé - the Shots' Manny Oyeleke...
Manny: the man, the myth, the legend. The combative and industrious midfielder has become an integral part of Gary Waddock’s team and I believe Aldershot are a better and more evenly balanced side with him in the team.
Every team needs an anchor at the base to form a solid foundation for the rest of the team and for Aldershot, it’s Manny Oyeleke. His strength and speed allow him to battle his way to controlling the midfield whilst still moving the ball around with pinpoint accuracy.
In most games, he can be seen taking the ball off the defenders or keeper and moving it on to start Aldershot’s next attack. Or if a teammate looks to be struggling with options, the ball is given back to Manny who recycles it, keeping Aldershot in control and on the front foot.
Sitting in that ‘holding role’ allows both full backs the opportunity to push forward without being totally exposed, giving the team more options in attack. Also, when receiving the ball, he has the ability to escape tight knit situations when the Shots are being penned back. This helps avoid danger and in most cases, starts the next counter attack.
Manny also possesses the stature to dominate the middle of the park and not let Aldershot get bullied by bigger teams.
I’ve lost count of how many non-neague midfielders turn up looking like basketball stars, with the minimum height being at least 6’2”. But Manny still seems to outmuscle them and gain control of the ever so important battle of midfield. This gives the rest of the team the platform to get the ball down and play the attractive, counter attacking football us fans are used to seeing.
He seems to be flourishing in this role and for me, he has the potential to be the non-league ‘Makelele’. With him only being 24, he is only going to keep getting better and I feel the future is bright for one of Aldershot’s main men.
Therefore, I feel he is the best ‘all round’ midfielder at the club. There may be other midfielders who get more goals than him or have more skill but his abilities are crucial for the Shots and the division we find ourselves in. I believe his role in the team is sometimes under-appreciated because without him, I feel we would be a weaker side.
