As our inaugural season approaches, we wanted to give you more of an introduction to the players who will represent Lansing Common on the field this summer. Today, it’s time to get to know Shady Omar.
What position do you play and what do you think Lansing Common fans will enjoy most about the way you play?
My main position is striker. I love scoring goals and being the pivotal point of the attack. It’s amazing, there is no better feeling than scoring a banger and running to the stands and celebrating with the fans. I think that the fans will enjoy my work ethic and intensity on the field as well as my natural ability to be a leader. I like to help guide my teammates to be at their very best no matter the opponent, I think that’s very important. They will also enjoy how much I try to involve the fans in the game because I truly believe that a strong fan base encourages a team to play better, the 12th man almost.
You noted to the Daily Eastern News that you want to try and go pro after this season. What are you hoping to work on this summer to help you get to that level?
I want to continue putting in the extra hours and trying to get better and better every day. There is so much competition in the professional world and the most important things is being your own critic and being honest with yourself. I want to work on every single aspect of my game because everything is equally as important.
You had one of the more entertaining introduction videos for some of the energy you brought to it. You also called for thousands of fans to head out to the games. Are you someone that likes to play to the crowds a bit during games? Any good celebrations in your past?
I would definitely say that I love to play to the crowds. It’s like an adrenaline boost and a feeling of euphoria to see a loud, energetic crowd that is cheering you on and I definitely play my best soccer with an encouraging crowd. Over the past few years, I am always involving the crowd and some of my teammates gave me the nickname “King Tut” because of my Egyptian background so the nickname stuck around with the fans and the community. I always like to spice it up with a good celebration, I think it’s exciting to do something creative when scoring a goal.
How much do you think it will help on day 1 having someone you are very familiar with in Munir Sherali also on the team?
Its very reassuring to have a familiar face on the team and its nice to know that there are some players that we grew up with playing on the team as well so we are excited for the amazing team chemistry we will bring.
You spent a few years in Egypt playing soccer according to the Daily Eastern News. What are some of the biggest differences as to how soccer is played in Egypt compared to the US? You noted that there were some pretty big differences in the article.
I’d say the biggest difference playing there is how technical the game is. They rely on their comfortability on the ball more so than their athletic ability.
What was your favorite moment you have ever had on a soccer field?
My favorite moment will be determined during one of the games for Lansing Common FC 😉
What hobbies do you have when you aren’t playing soccer?
I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie so I would say one of my favorite hobbies is jet kkiing in the summer. I also like to go to music festivals and I enjoy lifting weights, volleyball and tennis.
Stay tuned for more player profiles and details on our upcoming Midwest Premier League season. Find our 2021 season schedule on our website by clicking here.