Eto'o Jr exploits Meridian experience
Tuesday 6 March 2007
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Etienne Eto'o led the Africa attack in Barcelona (©UEFA)
Cameroonian striker Etienne Eto'o is keen for his African team-mates to absorb as many lessons as possible from last week's UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup in Barcelona to make the most of "a great opportunity".
Famous sibling
The 18-year-old was the highest profile player in the 21-man African select Under-18 squad, not only because of his tireless running and endeavour as the spearhead of their attack, but also because he is the younger brother of FC Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o. That guaranteed the younger Eto'o the lion's share of the media attention during his week in Barcelona and the forward, a modest and unassuming footballer at RCD Mallorca who is currently on loan at 1. SD La Salle, believes the competition could have widespread benefits.
Things to learn
"The tournament is a great opportunity for young players, and it's up to us to take full advantage," he told uefa.com. "There are players in our squad who I've never met and who I'd never get the chance to play with otherwise. At Mallorca, we play against Barcelona, Real Madrid [CF] and Valencia [CF] but there are also good players further afield and this is a great chance for us to get to know each other. It's good for all of us, we're here to enjoy ourselves and to learn. Professionally, we've learnt a lot, because there are areas in which we lack and we have to work hard to try to correct those shortcomings."
Assuming responsibility
Eto'o's side might have lost 10-1 on aggregate over the two games but their captain for the first leg believes the defeat is less significant than the lessons the African players can learn from the experience. "We learnt we have to play more as a group and think less of ourselves as individuals, because what wins you games is your relationship with your team-mates and that's where have to improve," he went on. "Personally it was a proud moment to be captain, it was good to take that responsibility. I think I led the team well and, although I didn't score, that's not too important - the team comes first."
Undiscovered diamonds
Six of Africa's squad in Barcelona are based in Europe although Eto'o believes there remains a rich mine of untapped talent in the continent. "Everyone in Africa dreams of being discovered by a top European club," he admitted. "It's easier in some situations than others; for example, in a football academy like those in Cameroon or the Ivory Coast you get more invitations to play in Europe and have the chance to show what you can do. There are players everywhere who are less well known but that does not mean they are any less good; there's a lot of talent in Africa, everyone plays football."
Sibling support
It might be suspected that Eto'o's own path to Europe was made somewhat easier by the presence of his famous sibling, but Eto'o is adamant this is not the case. "If I do well, it's because I deserve to on my own merits, not because of who my brother is," he said. "On the pitch I play as myself, not because I am his brother. I'm close to Samuel, we speak a lot but not just about football - that's only a small part of our relationship. Everyone thinks I want to play like him but that is not possible because he is unique - and so am I. I have a lot to give, and that's what football is about."
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