Fri 13 Nov
Time to read: 3mins
Offrande Zanzala says winning the Barclays Under 21 Premier League Player of the Month for October award generated a special feeling.
Offrande Zanzala says winning the Barclays Under 21 Premier League Player of the Month for October award generated a special feeling.
The young forward beat off stiff competition from Sunderland’s Charalampos Mavrias and Swansea City’s Ollie McBurnie to claim the prize.
Zanzala scored four goals in three games and helped Darren Wassall’s Under 21 group secure three wins over the course of the month as they climbed to the top of the Barclays Under 21 Premier League – Division 2 table.
Voted for by opposition managers, Zanzala was also quickly to praise the part his team mates played in his recent goalscoring form.
Speaking to Rams Player HD, the 19-year-old said: “It’s a great feeling to be given this award, it means so much to me.
“My team mates deserve a lot of credit, they have been superb since the start of the season and we are doing great in the league.
“I’m happy to be scoring goals again, which is something I have always wanted since stepping up to the Under 21 squad.
“It’s good to score goals, anyone can score goals, but I wouldn’t be able to do it without the help of my team mates. They assist me.
“It’s exciting and a special feeling to know that managers of other teams have looked at me and like me.
“To be given this award is just another great moment in this season so far. I can’t stop here, though, I can’t get comfortable, I need to keep going and keep working hard.”
The forward has singled out his first goal against Newcastle United as his best strike of the month.
“Out of the four, my first goal against Newcastle stands out,” he added. “It all came from their striker making a pass back, which the centre back has misjudged.
“I got in front of him and just exploded into the space and after taking it past one defender and the goalkeeper, I have squeezed into the goal from a tight angle.
“It’s always great feeling to go on such a run and then cap it off with a goal.”
His impressive form in recent weeks has also seen him train with Paul Clement’s first team in several weeks and was further awarded with a second half substitute appearance in Thursday’s behind closed doors friendly meeting with Notts County.
Zanzala admitted it has been ‘eye opening’ to be around Clement’s squad, but rather than settling for where he is at, he has been left motivated to reach greater heights.
He added: “It’s something that I have always been waiting for. I have spent a couple of training sessions with the first team, but I have to just keep working hard.
“It’s a great experience to be around the lads. You pick up on so many things and it’s eye opening to see, first hand, the standard that you are trying to play to.
“The big thing about this club is that it thrives on bringing players through the Academy and into the first team.
“If you’re good enough, it doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s about what you are doing on the pitch.
“If you’re doing well, you will get your chance and I have been working hard every day to get that chance. Things are going well so far, but I just need to keep my head down and work hard.”
