Cho eager to star as Sociedad face crunch Europa League clash at Roma

Real Sociedad teenager Mohamed-Ali Cho is relishing the Europa League's return this week.

Cho, 19, made his first appearance of 2023 in the 0-0 home draw against Cadiz last Friday following an ankle problem.

The French forward is now in contention to feature in Thursday’s last-16 first-leg tie at Roma.

And after playing a role in the 1-0 victory at Manchester United in the group stage, La Real’s No11 is excited for a return to the European stage.

Speaking as part of UEFA’s Wonderkids series, he said: "Coming up against big players like Cristiano Ronaldo and testing myself against them was unbelievable experience for me. 

"But whoever I play against, I will just keep playing the way I play. 

"I don't really get too pressured or stress too much, even playing at Old Trafford. 

"It's just me — that's how I am."

The Real deal

Cho spent five years in Everton’s academy before returning to his homeland with Angers in 2020.

After impressing in his two seasons in Ligue 1, he made the switch to San Sebastian where he has developed under Imanol Alguacil’s guidance.

As the Basque outfit seek to get the better of Jose Mourinho’s men, Cho added: "There is something about when you play in the Europa League.

"In Spain, most teams love possession — getting on the ball and trying different things.

"It's different in the Europa League because you don't know what you will be coming up against.

"The songs, the nights, the lights, playing against the big teams from different countries — it's incredible."