Yorkshire Amateur’s squad has been influenced with Portuguese flair due to the arrival of forward Danilo Mossolo.
Mossolo, 24, educated heavily on individual innovation whilst in Lisbon, now adapting to the physical style of English football, demonstrated both technique and strength against Selby on Wednesday, a 0-0 result in the NCEL Division One.
The forward left his home country in January 2020 to explore ‘more financial opportunity’ in England, departing current club Sporting Clube Vila Verde in the AF Lisboa third division district, level 7 of the Portuguese football pyramid. He signs for The Ammers from fellow NCEL Division One side Athersley Recreation.
“I didn’t know any English when I first came,” explained Mossolo. “Only hello, goodbye. I’ve learnt through conversation, on the street, movies, music. I think it’s ok now”.
Despite also experiencing a different playing style across the two separate countries, Mossolo has settled enough in England to have been able to score against Ammers for Athersley Recreation earlier this season, eventually ending on the losing side of a 3-2 result. Other previous English clubs played for include Thackley and Glasshoughton.
“It’s a different, physical tactic [in England], in Portugal it’s more skills based, without opposition. What they teach you in Portugal is to keep the ball at your feet, drive, drive, if you can score, cross, do it”.
“Not like here, where it’s about ‘can you pass there, can you move there’.
“[Versus Ammers] both wingers were very strong. They changed the game and they both scored.
“I can help them through keeping the ball a lot and my pressing”.
Mossolo and Ammers continue their league campaign away at Clay Cross Town’s Adalynne Haye Stadium on Saturday 30th September, 3pm kick-off.