Stephen 'Sunny' Sunday

Stephen 'Sunny' Sunday is an 18 year old midfielder currently at Valencia who has both Nigerian and Spanish passports, the player being born in Nigeria and his clubs chairman so desperate to bring the player to Spain that he actually legally adopted him The player has yet to pledge his international allegiance; but played for Spain at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada.

Sunny started his career at Nigerian amateur sides FC Ebedei and Jegede Babes in Lagos. Sunny displayed significant talent among players much older than him and his potential had been spotted by several larger Nigerian sides.

However, it was not until his club Jegede Babes were on tour in Spain that Sunny finally got his big move. When he was 15, he was spotted by Poli Ejido's general director Juan José Melero who immediately insisted they bring in Sunny. The player spent some time in the 'B' team at Ejido, but it was not long until the first team wanted Sunny.

Then at 17, in 2005/2006, he got his big break and played for the first team. A few substitute appearances later and Sunny had become a regular in the team. His performances did not go unnoticed and Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid both scouted the player. Eventually, Sunny was snapped up and he signed for Valencia.

One of Sunny's most distinctive features is his awareness of the players around him and his ability to nip into positions and space. Combined with a brilliant passing ability, Sunny has the flair and combative skills to become a fantastic all around central midfielder.

Sunny has already been compared as similar to Michael Essien by some, with an amazing ability to keep the ball moving whilst still finding space in the midfield. He has the ability to take control of a game from the centre.

Allegedly, before Sunny's move to Valencia, Liverpool, Deportivo and Napoli had all made very serious enquiries for the player,

With some luck, good training and regular first team football, Sunny could become a world class player by the time he is 22.

EYEFOOTBALL RATING:

Potential: 44/50

Current Ability: 35/50