Aidan Morris has taken inspiration from truly great players as he aims to become a club legend at Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough have made six signings in the 2024 summer transfer window so far, one of which was Aidan Morris.
The midfielder left MLS outfit Columbus Crew midway through their season to link up with Michael Carrick.
The 22-year-old had zero experience in English football prior to the switch but is settling in nicely at the Riverside.
After starting in the 1-0 win over Swansea City on the opening weekend, Morris was dubbed an ‘incredible find’ for Middlesbrough by one EFL pundit.
The midfielder has maintained his starting place in the eleven following an injury to Jonny Howson.
He was in from the off for the defeat to Derby County and despite the loss, Morris has endeared himself to the Middlesbrough fans, who made a new chant for him during the game.
Aidan Morris reveals Manchester United and Real Madrid idols
Despite spending his entire life in America before joining Boro, Morris has been a fan of European football for many years.
He previously revealed that he watched Michael Carrick play for Manchester United as a child.
And now, as per the Northern Echo, Morris has named Paul Scholes, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric as other players he loved growing up.
He said: “Manchester United was my team growing up so it’s kind of cool being around one of the players I watched growing up.
“He’s been great. I try to be a sponge and take it all in, learn as much as I can and ask as many questions as I can.
“I’m sure our relationship will keep getting better. He helps me in training for sure. He pulls me aside sometimes and tells me little things he’s seen. And this is just the start, I’m sure it will continue.”
Aidan Morris can become Middlesbrough legend
Boro have had plenty of club legends over the years including now former England boss Gareth Southgate and, of course, Juninho.
In the current squad, Jonny Howson could cement himself as a club icon if he is able to captain Boro when they secure promotion to the Premier League.
Rav van den Berg could also become a memorable player if he sticks around long enough, though that does seem unlikely given the sheer talent he has.
Morris, meanwhile, has only been on Teesside for a couple of months but he is already doing all the right things on and off the pitch to one day be looked back on as a Middlesbrough legend.