Osimhen's teammate names Manchester United and ex-Barcelona midfielders as role models

SSC Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka has named a Manchester United star and former Barcelona midfielder as his role models.

Lobotka said this during an interview with Corriere dello sports according to Football Italia.

The 28-year-old has been an outstanding performer for Napoli this season alongside Nigeria's Victor Osimhen in all competitions.

While Osimhen has stolen the headlines for the Serie A leaders with his goals, Lobotka has been a massive presence in the middle of the park for Napoli.

Following his brilliant performance for the Partenopei this season, the Slovakia international has been likened to a Barcelona great Andres Iniesta by his admirers led by Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti.

But reacting to the comparison and speaking about everything Champions League, Lobotka noted that he's different from the former World Cup winner before naming Manchester United's Casemiro and Barcelona boss, Xavi Hernandez, as his role models.

“I know that comparisons have been made, but I am a different player,” Lobotka said.

“It’s great to be compared to Iniesta, but sometimes I’ve had the feeling there were many expectations, creating more pressure.”

On his role models, the midfielder named Manchester United star, Casemiro, who has been in the news lately for the wrong reasons, as his role model amongst others.

“Every player is different, but if I have to think about role models, I’ll go for Casemiro," Lobotka added. "But I also like Marcelo Brozovic and Ismael Bennacer in Serie A.”

Lobotka joined Napoli from LaLiga side Celta Vigo for €21m in January 2020, but struggled with playing time under former Napoli boss, Gennaro Gattuso.