Oli McBurnie labelled one of the most intelligent footballers in the world

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali ‘cannot count ten more players’ who boast a higher level of intelligence than Oli McBurnie.

McBurnie, who joined the Tigers last summer, wasted little time in cementing himself as a fan favourite.

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The 30-year-old netted a sensational 19 times in all competitions last term, including the goal that won Hull the Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough.

Although he did not score in Hull’s sensational opening win against Manchester United, he proved an almighty handful for the Red Devils’ defence.

McBurnie’s display on Saturday was emblematic of why Ilicali holds him in such regard.

Why does Acun Ilicali believe Oli McBurnie is one of the most intelligent players?

“McBurnie is a special case,” Ilicali said on Monday’s edition of White and Jordan.

“For me, he’s our hero and [has a] very special personality, extremely talented.

“And if you ask me, in my 30 years of football watching, I cannot count ten more players more intelligent than Oli McBurnie.”

Another figure who earned praise from Ilicali was Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic, who is understood to have agreed a new three-year contract at the club.

The Bosnian was appointed last summer just days after he departed Turkish club Kayserispor.

Jakirovic’s venture to Hull marked his first job in English football, having previously managed in Turkey, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia.

Given his lack of experience on British shores, Jakirovic’s appointment was met with scepticism by sections of the Tigers fan base.

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Yet one promotion and a victory over the Red Devils masterminded by the man himself, those doubters are now singing the Bosnian’s name loud and proud.

Acun Ilicali heaps praise on Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic

As for Ilicali, he never wavered in his belief Jakirovic was the right man to lead Hull back to the promised land after a decade away.

“When I brought him to England, I saw so many comments from everybody else saying he has never been in the big leagues, he doesn’t know the Championship, he doesn’t know how to manage a club in England,” Ilicali said.

“Few people believed in us when we brought him in, but I believed in him.

“I saw his football in Turkey. He impressed me a lot. When I met him in person, I saw a great character in front of me. A true, nice person and, of course, knows football. We started our journey together.

“I discovered he was the coach I was looking for for three years. Thank god I got sent Sergej, and now we are very happy.”