Abo Eisa backed to make the grade at Shrewsbury – the inside track
One of Paul Hurst’s deadline day captures was the surprise move for National League South starlet Abo Eisa, who arrived at Shrewsbury from Wealdstone.
The 21-year-old signed his first professional deal, an 18-month contract with the option of a further year, at Montgomery Waters Meadow last week.
Eisa netted 12 goals in 23 outings from the wing while impressing for Wealdstone this season. He was playing part-time while studying a biomedical science degree at Brunei University.
His form had attracted interest from Championship outfit QPR. Abo’s older brother, Mohamed, joined League Two Cheltenham last summer and has 14 goals in 35 appearances for the Robins.
The Sudanese-born player was one of three attackers to join Hurst’s ranks on the final day of the window. Winger Nathan Thomas, on loan from Sheffield United, and Grimsby’s Sam Jones were the fellow new recruits.
Town reporter LEWIS COX spoke to NICK DUGARD, press officer at the London outfit, to get the low-down on one of Shrews’ most recent recruits.
What position does Abo Eisa play?
He can play either flank (but mainly on the left) or as a centre-forward. But is more of a natural winger.
What sort of character is he?
He’s a great lad who has a smile on his face. He is very ambitious and obviously eager to learn and improve his trade as a full-time pro. He also saw the value in finishing his course at university.
What type of player is he? Technical, physical, attacking, defending, pacy?
He has bags of attacking pace but his control on the ball is his main asset. He has a tremendous eye for goal with a powerful strike.
It is a massive step up for Eisa. Do you back him to handle it well?
Without doubt. The physicality and speed of thought as well as reactions on the ball at National League South level will have hardened him to big defenders.
And the standard of football is higher than many in the EFL realise!!
Do you think he has it in him to succeed in League One?
Yes – he has the correct attitude and full-time training and coaching can only make him a better player.
Are there any weaknesses or areas for improvement?
Possibly his heading ability and the more defensive side of his game, things like tracking back work – but he has improved significantly in that area over the past season.
