Jordan Fankwe: Potential Indomitable Lion Trailblazing In Watford

Cameroonian born midfeilder Jordan Fankwe has continued his growth with the Watford youth team, in a season that ticks the box as the best by none after fair stints at Nottingham Forest and Mickleover.

The youngster’s skill has gained him a starting berth for the Watford U23s with a decent record that reads 10 games for one goal.

Sportglitz spoke with Fankwe about what is turning into a breakthrough season in an exclusive interview, and below is the A-Z of how it started.

Question

Let’s Know more about Jordan and what made him choose football from childhood

Answer

I’ve been playing football since I was a kid. In our family, we really didn’t have a football star, despite the fact that my Dad was a good player.

Growing up in my city of birth, we played a lot of futsal. Even at that, it wasn’t something I was looking to do in the future. I mostly played as a goalkeeper. People who were around my locality kept telling me that I was a good player, and that raised my confidence to think of going professional.

Question

What was the experience like playing with Jean Onana in your boyhood days, and today, you both are professionals with the latter playing for RC Lens

Answer

I played with indomitable Lions international, Jean Onana, who was already an upcoming talent at the time. I played the role of a goalkeeper and he then, was, a defender. We went to the same college. I know him quite well, he is an elder brother.

Question

At what age did you move to the UK and did you face any difficulties?

Answer

I moved to the UK aged 14. Before my trip, I always told my Dad of my dream of becoming a professional. My knowledge about the game had improved. I told my father upon arrival in the UK that I would like to play for the bigger teams like Chelsea and Manchester United. Dad was d’accord and he told me I’ll get a chance. I recall that back in Nottingham where it all started, I played with other kids in the neighborhood. Most of them thought I was really good because I played in-goal and like an outfield player as well. I constantly got quizzed on what my natural position was, due to the fact that I was great at goalkeeping and playing as a midfeilder. As a goalkeeper, I was really good with my feet. Back home, they called me Andre Onana because I had a similar play style with him.

I later met someone in Nottingham who helped me a lot. I had my first try-out to play for Nottingham forest and it was successful. I integrated the club as a goalkeeper and ended up as a midfeilder.

Question

You have played for some historic clubs (Forest and Watford), what gives young Jordan this sort of confidence?

Answer

It isn’t totally down to confidence. I know where I come from. Growing up, we didn’t have the best infrastructures like what obtains today in Cameroon. However, when I arrived in the UK, the conditions were different and I thought it was a big opportunity to showcase my talent.

Question

You are eligible to play for Cameroon or England. If you are given a call by the Indomitable Lions, are you going to respect the invitation?

Answer

If one day I have the opportunity to play for Cameroon, I and my team will hold talks which will gear towards that. England is my country too and I am eligible to play for the three Lions as well.

Question

Have you been tracking the Indomitable Lions…. And growing up, who was that Cameroonian player you looked up to?

Answer

Growing up I used to watch Geremi Njitap alot. He was a really good and strong player. He played in England for Chelsea and Newcastle FC. He was a top player. With the recent team, I do follow Zambo Anguissa of Napoli. We do not have a similar style but I watched him a couple of times when he played here with Fulham. He is a good player technically and really smart as well.

Question

How would you define your game style?

Answer

I’m someone who tries to put the team first. I try to tackle, break lines and keep it simple. I am sort of a box-to-box midfeilder. I am a soldier for the team.

Question

You are with the youth set-up of Watford. What are your ambitions going forward this season?

Answer

I am 20 years old and still looking to get the opportunity to break into the first team for a professional debut. For me, the next step is to keep working hard, just waiting to grab my chance when it comes.

Indomitable Lions coach Rigobert Song has a queue of fine midfeilders to select from, but Fankwe pops up with a unique play style – which has earned him the show name: ‘Makelele’.

With the recent call of Elliott Njongoue in the Indomitable Lions’ last camp, the national selection, in the spirit of building the team, could solicit Fankwe.