Wearing down opponents with his outstanding footwork, Mohamed-Ali Cho is making a real name for himself this season fighting in Angers’ black and white corner.
In late August, he delivered his first knock-out blow five months before his 18th birthday, showing both strength and speed to secure victory over Rennes. Cho told The Ligue 1 Show on beIN SPORTS: "I was really chuffed to score that goal! But I’m trying not to get carried away, the coach said to me that a goal doesn’t make a career, it starts it, so I’ll keep working hard"
With that strike, Cho joined the likes of Anthony Martial, Eduardo Camavinga and Kylian Mbappe in a select club of 17-year-olds to have scored a Ligue 1 goal this past decade. The hard work he put in over summer under Gerald Baticle’s watch, is already paying dividends. Baticle said: "The more potential a player has, the more you have to push him, so I’m going to continue being demanding with Momo!"
Cho commented: "During pre-season I worked hard on my physical condition, it’s fair to say my cardio has improved, and tactically I learned a lot too. The coach is a former striker, he played the same position as me so he knows how I feel, how I try to play, and he gives me tips during games. He’s also very demanding with me, I like that, I’m trying to learn as much as possible."
Skilful, strong, lightning quick and mature in his decision making, Angers’ number 21 has gone from impact player to one of the first names on the team sheet this term in just his second season as a professional. Cho was a starter for just one of his 21 appearances last season, with former coach Stephan Moulin prioritising his development.
Cho: "I have confidence in my ability"
Cho said: "Those substitute appearances allowed me to get experience for this season, and now I’m playing more. So last season was a learning curve, and now I feel really good. I have confidence in my ability and what I can do. Now, as a regular starter, I’m getting the chance to show that. "
Cho has come on leaps and bounds this campaign, and is now one the most exciting teenagers in the league of talents. Nominated for the 2021 Golden Boy award, it’d be easy for him to get ahead of himself, but it seems the young man has the mentality, as well as the talent, to gone on and fight among the heavyweights. He said: "I’ll stay grounded, my close circles help me with that, the coach too, who tells me to keep working and keep aiming higher and higher. I’m not too worried about the headlines!"
