CAIRO: Sunderland boss Steve Bruce implied that Ahmed Elmohamady is a better footballer than his Egyptian compatriots Amr Zaki and Mido.
Egypt strikers Zaki and Mido worked with Steve Bruce at Wigan Athletic in the 2008-2009 season, an experience that the former Manchester United man doesn’t consider delightful.
Zaki had an auspicious start to the season but his form plummeted near the halfway mark, before falling out with Bruce over problems of indiscipline.
On the other hand, Mido was far from prolific during the six months he spent at JJB Stadium.
Elmohamady, who joined Sunderland in the summer from ENPPI on an extendable season-long loan, seems to be cast in a different mould from his countrymen, Bruce believes.
"He is different," he said of Elmohamady after the Black Cats 1-0 home win over Aston Villa on Saturday.
"He is a frustration at times, he is a bit naïve, but he has blistering pace and he is fantastic in the air for the size of him.
"He has been a fantastic addition for us, somebody who has taken to it and is enjoying the challenges of playing in the Premier League.
"I can say that the Egyptian players I have had in the past have proved a bit difficult, if that’s the right word.
"He is delightful kid, who wants to try and do it right, and he has been very impressive."
Bruce also allayed fears over Elmohamady’s injury, which he sustained in a challenge with Villa’s James Collins.
"Ahmed should be okay. It looks like it was just a knock," he told Sunderland’s official site.
