Steve Zakuani had a season to remember, leading the nation in goals and points. He was unstoppable and as much as Akron didn’t want to believe he was going to jump at a pro deal, it was inevitable. Steve sits down with MLSDraft.net and explains why he came to America and what the next step is for the former Arsenal man. He is a man with a good head on his shoulders and I expect big things to come from him in the future.

Enjoy the interview! 

Update: Just found a new link of Zakuani's goals this year, have a look http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEp8mkw_VpU

How was your adjustment from the English youth system to the NCAA? Was
there any home sickness?

My adjustment actually went pretty smoothly because I arrived on campus a full semester before the 2007 season which gave me time to adapt and get used to my team mates and coaches. Playing wise, the only thing I had trouble with was the physical nature of college soccer where not every player was very good technically, but they all gave 100% in every practice and game. I was used to playing with attacking guys who were clever on the ball, guys who could take people on and score goals or make great passes. But those guys didn't defend a lot and weren't very interested in the physical side of the game. In college soccer, you definitely have to respect the physical aspect and so like I said, coming here early gave me a chance to lift weights and learn some of the off the ball things I had to defensively.
 
 
What was the difference between you in year 1 in the NCAA to Year 2?
(Other then a difference of 14 goals)

Execution. In my first season I created a similar amount of chances as I did this year, but I wasn't composed or confident enough to score once I got in behind the defense. This year, every time I was in a clear scoring opportunity, I was certain I would score and I almost always did. I credit my work in the spring and the summer because I was able to work with my team mate, Nano (Michael Nanchoff), on specific areas of my game like finishing without the pressures of the big games, and in the summer I played PDL and did a lot of individual training that really gave me confidence. Overall I just became a better, cleaner, more effective player around the goal. This year I also scored a lot of goals early on and that gave me the belief that I could score in any game and against any team.
 
How did your time at the Arsenal youth team go, and what happened for them
to break the ties from you or did you leave on your own?

I played in the Arsenal youth team for 5 years and I still apply what they taught me there. It was a great time in my life because I played against Europe's top teams and players at various tournaments, and week in and week out I was playing against England's best youngsters. They preached final third effectiveness at Arsenal. I would always hear things like "pass with a purpose" and "take the defenders on." Those things were drummed into me from an early age. I was eventually released after my 5th season because they were planning to merge my age group and the older age group into one team. This meant that in the coming season the games would be very physical for the younger guys who were playing against older guys, and I wasn't as physically developed as they would have liked. They tend to make decisions on players at a very young age in Europe, and so even though I had the talent, I didn't have the physical attributes they were looking for.
 
 
From watching Video's of you playing on the Academy team, you seemed to play a free role in the midfield but in the NCAA you played a striking role. What is your preferred position? 
 
I started off playing as a left winger at Arsenal. But after leaving there, I suffered a knee injury and lost some of my sharpness. That's why at London Academy, the coach (Abbey Casal), played me in a free role. He wanted me to get on the ball as much as I could and make things happen, because he knew I wasn't able to run past people yet because of my knee. After three seasons there, my speed eventually came back and I was able to play forward, on the wings, or in a free role. In college, the free role position doesn't really exist because the marking is so tight and the space is limited and so it was best for me to play as a forward where I could be around the goal more, and have more opportunities to isolate the backs. I prefer playing as a forward now because I am so used to it, but I like the wing too.

Have you been able to watch much MLS soccer while being in America?

When I first came over, my London Academy coach's brother, Yinka Casal, had just signed for DC United and so I tried to watch him whenever I could. He eventually went back to Europe, and I lost interest. But I did watch the playoff games this year and saw that the level in the league was so much higher than when I first watched it.
 
Do you have any ambition to play in the MLS?

I have an ambition to play professional soccer in general. It doesn't really matter which league or country I am in as long as that league allows me to develop my game and enjoy myself.

Will you be returning to Akron for a 3rd year or are you thinking about going pro?
 
At the moment I don't know exactly what will happen next year. At Akron, I feel that I am in a great environment where I can improve as a player and clean up some areas of my game. But, I'm also not naive, and so I know that if the right opportunity came across at the next level, I'd have to take it. I've always wanted to go pro, it's been my dream for years, and so if the right opportunity presented itself, it would be very hard to turn down.

What professional player represents your game the most?
 
I've been asked this question a lot and I still don't have an answer because I don't feel that my game is identical to anyone's. There are attacking players who I have learnt from and I try to incorporate the things I see them do, into my own game, but at the same time, I don't feel that there is a player out there who I play like. I've tried to develop my own style even though I've watched videos of Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Robinho hundreds of times and have taken a lot of things from all the top players.

What team do you support back home?  Just to let you know Im a spurs fan so I hope you don’t say Arsenal!
 
My team's Arsenal. It's a natural thing since I played there for 5 years and still have buddies at the club. Their playing style is unbelievable, and even though it may not always be effective, it's just so beautiful to watch.

What is the biggest thing you miss about England? 
 
My family and friends but that goes without saying. I definitely miss eating fish and chips. I also miss some TV programs that I can't seem to find over here, and also having the chance to go and watch EPL games live in the stadium.

And last question, if there are players in England who aren't 100% sure what their plans were for the future would you suggest that they should try the NCAA?
 
Absolutely yes for two reasons. The first is that in England, and all of Europe actually, you don't get the chance to be a full time soccer player and a full time student at the same time. They're incompatible and you have to choose one or the other. Over here, the NCAA, allows you to play and study at a very high level, it's unique. The second reason is the non-soccer side. I have had some incredible experiences in my 2 years here, I've been able to travel for free up and down the country, and I've also met great people who I'll be friends with for a very long time.