Tyrone Samba: My Dad is my biggest inspiration | OneFootball

Brotherly love is quite pervasive in City’s history.

From the Brightwell brothers, Ian and David, to the Toures, Yaya and Kolo, and more recently the Heskeys, Jaden and Reigan. But there is another dynamic duo at City.

Under-18 players Tyrone and Floyd Samba have been at the Club’s Academy since Under-9s. Side by side, they’ve been perfecting their respective crafts as they both push themselves to follow in the footsteps of their father, Chris Samba.

Chris had an illustrious career, which included a Premier League stint with Blackburn Rovers who he made over 150 appearances for from 2007 to 2012.

The former Congo defender travelled the world, representing clubs like Queens Park Rangers, Hertha Berlin and Panathinaikos before calling time on his career at Aston Villa following the conclusion of the 2017/18 season.

Tyrone, alongside his younger brother Floyd, remembers watching his Dad play and credits him as his biggest inspiration as he chases his dreams of entering the senior game.

“I remember it was my birthday, I can’t remember how old I was, but my Dad had a game on my birthday,” said the 17-year-old when asked what his earliest memories of football are.

“I think it was against Manchester United and I remember little bits of going to watch him in that game.

“He [my Dad] is definitely my biggest inspiration. Watching him was a good insight into what being a football player is, and we got to observe a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff.

“Seeing everything he’s gone through to get to where he did in his career is inspiring.”

And on the best advice his Dad gave him, Tyrone said: “He told me to be unpredictable.

“For the way I play as a winger or as a 10, you don’t want the defender to know your next move. I want to make it as difficult as possible for the opposition when it comes to marking me.”

Unlike their defensively-minded father, who initially began his youth career as a forward, Tyrone and Floyd play key roles in Oliver Reiss’ Under-18s forward line.

WATCH: 8-minute highlights: United 2-4 City U18s

And both have been instrumental in our fantastic start to the season, which includes six wins, one draw and one defeat in all competitions.

Tyrone has three goals and two assists in six league outings, with 16-year-old Floyd on six goals and two assists in five appearances.

And Tyrone attributed their similar success to their brotherly connection, light-hearted rivalry and the support they receive from each other and their family.

“We [Tyrone and Floyd] have been playing football together since we were kids, so we just know what we want out of each other, and the chemistry we have is really good,” Tyrone explained.

“Working our way through the age groups together in the Academy helped us both improve because we compete a little to be better than each other, that sibling rivalry I guess.

“Our Dad comes to most games, and whenever he is there, I just want to impress him as much as possible. Our Mum also comes, and sometimes our younger brother, Emerson. He’s 11 and he’s a centre back. He’s massive already!

“And then Floyd and I support each other as much as we can. I really enjoy watching him play, I always want to see him succeed, and I think the same for him for me.

“I was on the bench in that Youth League game when he scored against Napoli. It was a really good feeling to see him have that moment.”