Jack Rodwell Interview

Jack Rodwell Interview

 

With the adidas "Call the Shots" campaign picking up momentum, SoccerBible caught up with one of the most exciting talents in world football. Jack Rodwell has been in impressive form in the Premier League, so we wanted to hear what he'd love or dread to be asked as part of the adidas campaign. Jack also took the time to talk to us about football boots, what the future holds, plus a few training tips for our fans...

 

SB: We're speaking to you as part of the adidas  Call the Shots  campaign, have you thought about whether there's anything you'd love to be asked or maybe dread? JR: I'd like to see something like a legends 5-a-side team, bringing back all the great players like Zidane and see them play.

SB: So you wouldn't dread it if you got put up against Lionel Messi then?

JR: No I'd be excited for that! It would be something like having to do a marathon that I'd be dreading!

SB: As a football fan is there anything you'd love to see your fellow players such as Kaka, Nani or Steven Gerrard asked to do?   JR: Probably doing another sport, see what they're like at that. Something like Gaelic football see how good they are at that! SB: Our audience are big boot fans, and you've worn adidas football boots throughout your career - what makes an adidas boot stand-out for you compared to rival brands?   JR: I always loved them, and that was probably to do with the players that wore them. The players I looked up to were the likes of Zidane and Desailly, so I always

used to look at them and see what they were wearing. But ever since I first wore a Pred as a young kid, I've never looked back.

SB: On the training ground, do the players notice each other boots, especially when you've got a new pair?

JR: Yeah, obviously you can't help it when it's a mad colour like the orange F50! But sometimes we do it in training just for a laugh, to see who can wear the maddest boots. At the moment it's Saha who's been wearing the orange F50's. Also we can't wear red boots, but you will get some people who will brave a red boot!

SB:You've made a big impact in a short space of time, how have you found your first few seasons in the Premier League?

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JR: It's been really good I've really enjoyed it. It's been my dream ever since I was a kid so it's really lived up to what I expected it to do.

SB: Have you set yourself targets for your career? JR: Not really, only as a youngster my target was to break into the first team and get a lot of games under my belt. So now I'm just looking forward to keep doing that and playing as well as I can do. I take it a game at a time and hopefully in the long term future I'll be an international.

SB: Obviously it's early days in your career, but what's been the highlight so far?

 

JR: Last summer signing my new five year contract was really good, also scoring against Manchester United and making my debut against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League is another main thing for me.

SB: You mention the goal against Manchester United, which was a great goal, so have you kept the boots worn from memorable games? JR: Not the boots really, because like with the goal against United I wanted to wear the boots again to do the same! But I've kept the shirt, so if I have a good game or special moment I like to keep the shirt.   SB: When you were younger who was the player you idolised and thought 'I want to be great like that'? JR: Probably Zidane, he was the one, he's always been my favourite player and obviously he wore Preds as well so that always inspired me to wear them.

SB: Are you a big football fan, do you watch a lot of Premier League or global football?

 

JR: Yes, I watch as much as I can when I'm not playing, I watch Spanish and Italian, everything really.

 

SB: Are there any players who you've been impressed with this season? 

JR: It's got to be Messi again! He's just been unreal, he's upped his game again which is pretty much impossible, but he's been amazing all season.

 

SB: We think we may know the answer to this next question! But if you could play alongside any midfielder from past or present week-in-week-out, who would that be?   JR: Yeah, definitely Zinedine Zidane without a doubt!   SB: Is there a particular formation you feel comfortable playing or that you would say lends itself more to your game?

JR: Maybe the 4-5-1 formation, because when I play as one of the three midfielders it gives me a little bit more licence to get forward as well as defend, so that maybe aids my performance a bit.

SB: Are you hoping to be involved in the Under-21 EURO Championship?

JR: Yes I'm really excited about that. It's a good opportunity to get a trophy for the country, we've got a really good squad and hopefully we can go out and win it.

 

 

 

SB: After the World Cup, is there a feeling the squad want to show the world the potential and ability of England's next generation of players?

JR: Yes it happened last time with Germany, they won it and you look at the players that were in that tournament. They all made the seniors and did really well at the World Cup, the likes of Ozil and Khedira. So hopefully there'll be a few of us who can do that.

 

SB: Finally, are there any particular training methods or tips that helped you as a youngster, that you could share with the SoccerBible fans?

JR: When I was really young my Dad was a believer that if you have two feet then you've always got a chance, just practice with both feet against a wall, it's helped me all the way. I feel naturally two footed now, and that's a big part of my game.

In May, adidas will bring some of the world's best footballers to London. What they do is up to you! Submit your ideas at www.adidas.com/calltheshots before May 3rd, encourage your mates to vote on your idea and you could be one of the lucky VIP's to attend the event.