If your football club as an academy as acclaimed as Manchester United’s, it is likely for you, then you will have no problems to realize the almost irritating hype the people and the media give to almost any youngster who has a few good games. However, only a handful of these teenagers actually goes on to justify that hype. We, the Red Devils have seen the Holy Trinity, The Class of 92 , and the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo graduate from our academy, so we are always looking for new and exciting talent to fill in those exceptionally big boots. While there have been some names cropping up in the recent past, we have probably not been as eager to watch a youngster playing in the senior team as we are currently with Timothy Fosu-Mensah. The 18-year-old had been making ripples ever since he joined the club in 2014, and here are 3 reasons why he is a star in the making:
1. Cuz, his technique
Reds scouts had spotted the Netherlands youth international helping his boyhood club, AFC Ajax Amsterdam to victory in the AEGON Future Cup tournament in April 2014. And, somewhat surprisingly, a deal for a meagre 300,000£ was sealed before his countryman Van Gaal had the chance to settle into his role as United boss. That money is starting to pay dividends now, with the Dutchman showing exceptional technique and skill on the ball, as most of the footballers from his country do, despite being so young. In his debut against Arsenal a couple of weeks back, he impressed one and all with this particular asset of his, as he nullified the mercurial Alexis Sanchez with his marking.
2. His physique
The burly Dutchman, who stands 6ft 3in, may be an imposing presence but his physical stature belies his teenage years. Following on from his introduction into the senior side, Fosu-Mensah was given his first full start only days later, playing the full match against Watford as United edged to a 1-0 win, where he once again caught the eye with his commanding presence and good game reading, silencing the duo of Ighalo and Troy Deeney.
3. His humility
“Obviously, I will keep working hard. As a young player, you have to do that and keep listening to all the advice from the manager and coaches, especially if you want to play more games. And when the chance comes, you have to play well and make the most of it. I’m happy but, asI’ve said, I think I have to keep my head down and keeping working on my game.” – He said in a recent interview
Young footballers these days usually get blown away by the money and the glitz the game has to offer, but as this statement shows, this young gun is not going to follow that path. He keeps his name out of the tabloids, works hard, is humble and has unquestionable talent. One hopes he goes on to do great things in hia career!
