Steven Davis: Mauricio Pochettino says the star of Northern Ireland was his Andrés Iniesta | Football news

Mauricio Pochettino says Steven Davis was his Andreas Iniesta or Xavi at Southampton as the midfielder prepares to become Northern Ireland’s most capped player.

The captain will surpass Pat Jennings’ record if he reaches his 120th European Championship play-off appearance against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo on Thursday night, something his contemporary insists he “deserves.”

Before the milestone, Sky Sports News He has spoken with several of his former managers, teammates, family and friends to report their feelings for the 35-year-old, including Jennings, Pochettino, Steven Gerrard and Virgil van Dijk.

And what they describe is a consummate professional, an excellent player and a really good person …

The legend

Pat jennings: “I spoke to him when he set the record. I go back to him to say congratulations on breaking my record. He is a lovely boy and a great player for Northern Ireland. He deserves it. Reaching this number of internationals is about being lucky and be consistent. I was lucky with injuries and it’s the same with Steven. I wish him and the team all the best. “

The administrators

Mauricio Pochettino: “I compare his talent with the football of people like Xavi and [Andreas] Iniesta. You put him on the same level as this type of player because of this ability to play soccer, to be a playmaker, the intelligence to read the game, his ability to run. I think comparing Christian Eriksen with this type of player also makes your team better.

“I remember how people love ‘Davo.’ We were in Catalonia doing preseason, we were doing an afternoon session in the living room with a coach doing different things. I needed to go to the bathroom.

“By the time he came back we were all very serious, then all the players and the staff started running up to him and starting to celebrate. It was an incredible experience because it showed how the players loved him.

“I think how humble he is, which is the most you can appreciate in a professional. He is a simple boy, a kind of family, a good friend and we feel very proud and fortunate to have spent time with him. He is a great player and great person “.

Steven Gerrard: “Special. He is a student of the game, you can see how he takes information. Managers trust him and he was born with a special talent. I really did not have good memories with him because he was always a pest to play against. He was a very fit person who would never walk away no matter what the score was. “

Walter smith: “It’s a great achievement for any player. For those of us who know Steve, I’ve been lucky enough to work with him, everything about him has been great. I don’t know anyone who has a single critical word about Steve Davis.” . . “

Michael O’Neill: “It was an honor to have you as my captain for eight years. We have fantastic memories and I am proud to see you reach this milestone and I know you will continue to win many more international matches.

“He’s a shining example for any young player. My best memory of Steven is after his goal against Greece when he pointed to the sky and I know that meant a lot to him.”

Lawrie Sanchez: “Setting the record for Northern Ireland takes more than being a good player, Steven was always there, you didn’t have to worry about him showing up. And when he did show up, a performance level that is his baseline is higher than the best line of most people. Those are the type of players with whom teams are built. “

Nigel Adkins: “To get to 120 caps what we have is a very talented and talented individual, but he has put his team and his country first. To do that for Northern Ireland is a phenomenal achievement.”

Ronald Koeman: “Big, big hug from me because getting to that number of games is incredible. You get to that number of games with quality, discipline and being a team player.”

Teammates

Virgil van Dijk: “Davo has been exceptional as a professional, but off the pitch he has also been a great example for many young players from Northern Ireland. I had the pleasure of playing with him at Southampton and I really enjoyed it. To a great guy and a great player and obviously well deserved. “

Adam Lallana: “What an achievement, your 120th national team with your country is something to be extremely proud of. Don’t underestimate the sacrifices you have had to make for your family, also for club football. Not many other internationals have done it. that’s a superior man, a superior player. “

Chris Brunt: “We went back a long way and I don’t think that so many years ago any of us expected something like this. I am absolutely excited for you and hope you can get some results that go along with the achievement.”

Shane long: “Congratulations, 120 caps is an incredible achievement and I’m sure there will be many more to come and your legs are still on fire.”

Gareth mcauley: “I know the great Pat will be absolutely delighted for you too, it’s great you did, you have so much more in the tank too. But congratulations to you and the family.”

Neil Alexander: “He’s a great man and a very loyal friend. He’s very modest, you wouldn’t think he’s a footballer and nothing flashy! A very nice and down-to-earth guy. I think he can keep playing for a few more years. He’s proud and has the determination to do the right thing, a fantastic application and attitude to be the best footballer he can be. “

Family and friends

David (father): “Hi Steven … it’s been lovely to watch you play, and your mom (the late mom Laura) and I are so proud to see you do well. What you’ve accomplished on and off the soccer field you have kept feet on the floor and fair play for you. “

Come on (daughter, eight): “Hi Daddy, we just wanted to tell you how proud we are of you. We love being on this incredible journey with you and we love you very much.”

Chloe (daughter, 12): “Dad, I love you. You have taught us a lot and I am very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. You are our inspiration.”

Cobi (son, two): “Well done daddy. We love you.”

Steven Beacom (Belfast Telegraph journalist): “For me it’s in the top three and I would rank it alongside George Best and Pat Jennings. He will tell you that you shouldn’t be anywhere near that company, but believe me it deserves to be mentioned at the same time as those. The Belfast Telegraph during Euro 2016 and without any fuss or fanfare said to me: could you please give my fees to Myeloma UK which is a cancer charity?

Rob Segal (Representative and 20-year-old friend): “I remember the first time they told me about Steven. John Orr, who works with me, found out. He was probably 16 years old. He said you have to come see this boy. We have represented him for 20 years old and that’s the mark of a man in a game that doesn’t allow that to happen.

“I have to tell you something else that Steven did. He refused to sign the registration papers for his move to Southampton until Southampton paid the Rangers a sum of money to help them. The Rangers were so close to extinction and he didn’t. He could possibly have received that money, but insisted that that money go back to the Rangers.

“That’s what Steven Davis is all about. It has been a pleasure being your agent.”