Cincinnati FC winger Isaac Atanga has praised the qualities of Ajax Amsterdam star Mohammed Kudus.
When Major League Soccer (MLS) side Cincinnati FC signed Ghanaian youngster Isaac Atanga on 31 March from Danish top-flight side Nordsjaelland it caused surprise in some quarters.
Instead of heading to North America many expected the promising winger to make a move to one of the elite leagues in Europe considering the fact that his former FC Nordsjaelland team-mate, Mohammed Kudus was snapped up Dutch Eredivisie powerhouse Ajax in the summer of 2020.
“I decided to move to MLS because I feel it’s a great league to play in. So I’m happy with my decision and excited to play for FC Cincinnati,” Atanga told the BBC Sports in Africa.
The 20-year-old product of Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy, which also owns Nordsjaelland, had been linked to Scottish champions Rangers, Spanish side Alaves, Dutch side Feyenoord as well as Belgian duo Anderlecht and Club Brugge.
The promising forward is, however, happy that his former teammate Mohammed Kudus sealed a big move to the Dutch giants.
“[Mohammed] Kudus is a wonderful player and wherever he is now I’m happy and proud of him. But we both are two different people and cannot have the same decision,” Atanga added.
An added bonus for Atanga is that Cincinnati FC have a partnership deal with German Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim which could help in any bid he has to play in Europe again.