Austin Okocha names Ronaldinho the most skillful player he played with, praising the Brazilian’s unpredictability and instinctive flair

Former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has named Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho as the most skillful player he ever played alongside.

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Speaking during an interview with Clutch 9, Okocha highlighted the Brazilian’s instinctive unpredictability and shared flair on the pitch as the key to his exceptional talent.

Okocha, who captained Nigeria and played for Bolton Wanderers, recalled that his own style of play mirrored Ronaldinho’s natural creativity.

“I could see a bit of me in him; you don’t know what to expect when he gets the ball, and that was my strength too,” Okocha said.

“Playing together, without communicating, we knew what we were going to do and how to ask for the ball. That natural instinct is what you cannot teach.”

The 52-year-old reflected on the importance of self-belief, insisting that confidence was central to his success.

“Nobody could decide what I can do when I have the ball. You can be as tough as you can be, but you can’t stop me from playing my way.”

Okocha also singled out the English Premier League as the most physically demanding competition he experienced.

“The Premier League is brutal. If you’re not fit, you will be exposed because the pace is unlike any other league,” he said.

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In addition to praising Ronaldinho, Okocha emphasised that his approach to football combined creativity, fearlessness, and teamwork, explaining that his skill and intuition allowed him to thrive alongside some of the world’s best players.