Shi-Shi-Shikabala: Egyptian playmaker compared to Messi and Ronaldo by boss

Mahmoud Abdul Razek, more famously known as Shikabala, excelled in his debut for Al Wasl of the UAE in a friendly against Al Shabab of Oman, providing two assists in a 2-2 game and showing flair and panache, earning plaudits from both his manager and fans.

Talking to the Emirati media, Bruno Metso, Al Wasl’s charismatic French manager, was full of praise for the Egyptian winger/playmaker after the game.

“Shikabala is a world class player. He’s a player of the highest caliber like Messi, Ronaldo and Rooney. His technical and physical abilities improve any team he plays for. I can now safely say that I need another top class striker to convert Shikabala’s passing and play into goals.”

“He is like a magician inside the pitch. Whenever he has the ball, our shape seems to improve. He can create chances and score out of nothing. I think he deserves to be considered one of the best players in Africa.”

“If I have two players like Shikabala. I think Al Wasl can compete for the league title.”

Bruno Metso is set for crunch talks with the Al Wasl board to discuss the possibility of buying two more world class players to compliment Shikabala’s on field antics.

“Al Wasl is a big club. I’ll sit with the board to specify the names of two more players to sign, as I see the need to get in a world class striker. If the board approve, Al Wasl will have a great chance of competing in the league next season, where the competition will be very tough given how all teams are preparing in terms of signings and form.” added Metso.

Shikabala, who’s signed for Al Wasl on a season long loan from Zamalek, is set to travel with the team on the 22^nd of August in their pre-season training tour in Germany.

Follow Mohamed Seif and King Fut on Twitter.