Ben Old #19

Profile

In the New Zealand context Old is a rare talent, according to the NZ Herald journalist Michael Burgess, highlighting the player’s raw pace, close control and ability to dribble past players. Old’s assets make him a lethal weapon on the counter attack and he is only the second New Zealander after Bill Tuiloma to play in France’s Ligue 1, where he has had to adjust to a more aggressive, less structured style than his Kiwi club the Phoenix. Setbacks have included a serious knee injury and the side’s relegation to Ligue 2 – but peace of mind comes with meditating before matches to use some of his best moments for inspiration. Instead of the photo shoot he was expecting on joining St Étienne an artist painted him. “It was a truly amazing experience and a memory I’ll remember forever,” he told Channel magazine. Fun Fact: Old was a child prodigy at golf, visiting the US aged just seven to compete against other young talents, and he hopes to play at the UK’s top courses as part of his desire to relieve the pressures of top class football.

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