Nathanael Ogbeta loving life with Shrewsbury Town 'family'
Nathanael Ogbeta is loving the family feel that has helped him settle into senior football and life at Shrewsbury Town seamlessly.
The teenager signed an 18-month deal at Montgomery Waters Meadow after opting to leave his boyhood club Manchester City last month for the chance of first-team football.
And Ogbeta, who has played on the left side of defence but whose natural position is in central midfield, has caught the eye with three outstanding performances in his first week in Town's first-team fold.
The exciting signing was looking to a move abroad from City but settled on heading to Shropshire and has not looked back after being welcomed with opened arms. Ogbeta played another starring role as Shrewsbury, still without boss Steve Cotterill, earned a vital three points at Swindon on Saturday.
"Coming here is a step out of my comfort zone but it's what’s going to make me into a man and become the footballer I want to be in the future," Ogbeta said.
"I love these challenges. One of my England (youth) coaches once told me to play the game, not the occasion. I try to focus and be the best I can be and do my bit for the team because that’s the most important thing.
"When you have a group of guys around you there to speak to you, it is like a real family, it's made my job so much easier."
Town's new star added: "Honestly it's amazing, I can't say the word enough, I just feel like I'm in a real family.
"Excelling in a new team can be hard, it can take time, but the boys are so good, encouraging, Norbs (Ollie Norburn) is always there encouraging me, the centre-backs, Ro (Ro-Shaun Williams), Aaron (Pierre) before his injury, Ethan (Ebanks-Landell), Vels (Josh Vela), they all make me feel comfortable.
"Albie (Aaron Wilbraham) is always there, encouraging me, and Dave (Longwell). And when the manager comes on the phone at half-time, he's never letting me rest on my laurels.
"He says there's always more to do. Not that there's no time to celebrate but there's always room for improvement. Being in this environment keeps me on my toes constantly, there's no time to switch off.
"I feel like I can keep improving with the players and staff around me, I feel like I'm going to grow and develop each game, by the grace of God."
Manchester City fan Ogbeta is still yet to meet boss Cotterill, who gave the green light on his signing from the Etihad Stadium last month.
But, having moved to Shrewsbury and sampled senior football for the first time in his young career, the England under-20 international is relishing the experience he is building up.
The teenager is likely to add to his burgeoning CV at left-back against League One big-hitters Sunderland and Ipswich in this week's home double-header.
"Some of the fans have sent me really nice, encouraging messages, I can't stop using the word family, it's so nice to be part of a family, from the fans to players to staff," Ogbeta said.
"Everyone's welcomed me so well and bigger things are going to happen, as we get confidence we will climb the table, for sure. We have a great group and family feel. The togetherness is going to drive us."
