Talented youngster Mathew Anim Cudjoe has stated that he is prepared to grab any opportunity given to him by Dundee United coach Jack Ross.
Cudjoe came off the bench to shine against Livingston on Sunday, brightening United’s dull 1-0 defeat and confirming his place as a fan favorite.
It was a performance that also served to establish his claim for Thursday evening when he will look to make an impression against AZ Alkmaar.
“Everybody wants to play in this European game,” Cudjoe told Courier Sport. “The coach (Jack Ross) has his plans and I respect that,”
“All I can do is work hard and stay focused but if he gives me the opportunity then I will do my best and deliver on the pitch,”
“I don’t fear anyone,” Cudjoe continued. “Football is just about believing in yourself and knowing what you can do on the pitch,”
“I have seen strong atmospheres and, although I am young, when I played in Ghana, I played in big stadiums; in front of 60,000,”
“I have no fear of the big occasion or any player and I hope we have more games like that [AZ Alkmaar] at Tannadice,”
“If you have belief in yourself and your teammates then special things can happen,”
“I can’t wait to score in front of the Dundee United supporters,” he smiled.
Cudjoe spoke about his trial with Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich.
“I went on trial with Bayern Munich and managed to play with some talented players,” recalled Cudjoe. “They told me I was [too] young. I worked with the under-23 and under-19s,”
“One of the players I played with recently signed with Rangers from Bayern [Malik] Tillman,”
“I know I was young when I went there and I have a lot to learn but it was a good experience when you work with players of that calibre,”
“If I can work hard, keep my focus and listen to the coaches, then one day you will see me at that sort of level,”
Cudjoe, for the time being, is content to improve and learn alongside the likes of Steven Fletcher, Charlie Mulgrew, and Tony Watt.
“Tony [Watt] has played for some of the biggest teams and has a lot more experience than me,” added Cudjoe.
“I am learning from the senior players,”
“Guys like Charlie [Mulgrew], Fletch [Steven Fletcher], Tony Watt and Ryan [Edwards] can all give me advice and the experience they have gained,”
“I am just starting my career and I know a lot of good things will come. But I need to humble myself, keep focused and do my best,” he ended.
