Daniel James has revealed that Manchester United teammate Juan Mata was his footballing hero when growing up.
Wales international James made the switch to Old Trafford from Swansea City last summer and has enjoyed a positive debut campaign in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old has been given the opportunity to play in the same side as someone he looked up to in Mata, admitting that it has been "surreal" to link up with the Spaniard.
"Everyone looks up to Lionel Messi, but I think I've got to go for Juan Mata," he told Sky Sports News.
"I think when I first met him it was just a bit... weird for me. Growing up as a kid looking up to someone and then you're playing with them and not just being great on the pitch, but off the pitch as well. He's someone that inspires me a lot.
"When I first met him, he came and sat next to me in the changing room and said, 'I know it's a big move for you, if you need anything here is my number and if you ever need to talk about anything I'm here.' That was obviously great for me.
"He is so graceful on the pitch. I remember I got one of his shirts, his Europa League shirt when he won it for Chelsea. And he's just someone that I've always looked up to and to play in the same team as him is just surreal for me."
James has a combined nine goals and assists in 27 Premier League appearances for United this term.
