La Liga forward has what it takes to play for Barcelona, says national team coach: ‘He’s dangerous, unpredictable’ | OneFootball

Marc Brys, the manager of the Cameroonian national team, has heaped praise on Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong in a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo.

Brys, who notably handed Eyong his debut with the Cameroonian national team earlier this year, is well aware of the striker’s abilities and has backed him to become an ideal signing for Barcelona.

Brys’ comments come in the midst of Barcelona reportedly identifying Eyong as one of the potential candidates to replace Robert Lewandowski in the years to come.

Brys heaps praise on Etta Eyong

The Belgian tactician first talked about Eyong’s personality and why his down-to-earth attitude plays an important part in who he is.

“He’s a very good player. Very modest and humble, which is a gift. He’s not an egocentric striker; he plays for the team. I like that: he’s hard-working, and he draws attention so others can take advantage of the space,” he said.

Brys added that Eyong has a lot of attention, but it is important that he continues to develop his abilities.

“He played one game with us and did well, even though he didn’t score. He was an important addition to the squad. He has a good heart, he’s polite, and he has no negative attitude. That’s what makes him special.

“He needs to continue developing, to integrate more fully, but he has the potential to score a lot of goals. He’s already shown that, although he hasn’t yet reached his full potential. We’d like to continue working with him because he can keep growing,” he said.

Eyong has indeed emerged as one of the rising stars in La Liga this season, racking up six goals and three assists in just 12 appearances for Levante.

When asked whether or not Eyong has the potential to play for Barcelona, Brys backed him to become a great signing for the Catalans.

“I think so, given his potential. There’s always room for a new player on a team if they have the right qualities. Look at Lamine Yamal: a year ago, nobody thought he’d be playing for the first team, and now he’s a key player.

A rising star in La Liga this season. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

“Etta has that potential, too. He’s dangerous, unpredictable, and can surprise anyone. And that’s valuable for any top team,” he said.

Interestingly, Brys was also asked whether Eyong’s abilities are similar to those of Barcelona legend Samuel Eto’o, who is now the president of the Catalan football federation.

“No, they’re different types. Eto’o, at his peak, was the best player in the world. We have to acknowledge that he was a source of pride for Cameroon, and he deserved it. But it was a different era,” he acknowledged.

“Eto’o started more from the wing and then cut inside. Etta is more of a penalty-box player, more of a centre-back. Sometimes he drifts wide, but he moves between the lines. He does it very well; he’s versatile,” he explained.

Brys went on to describe Etta Eyong as more of a team player while once again praising his attitude and mentality.

“Although he has the mentality of a pure striker, he acts like a team player, and that combination is rare. You can’t compare them, but I can say that as a person, a player, and a striker, I have a lot of respect for him.

“He’s humble, respectful, and has a great desire to improve. He works hard individually, he’s ambitious, and he has great qualities,” he said.

“We talk a lot, we give each other advice. He’s not someone who runs around without thinking; he asks questions, he reflects, and he listens to his teammates and coaches. That intelligence and his physique make him a very complete player,” he concluded.