JJ Gabriel is considered as one of Manchester United's best academy prospects - and he is showing exactly why
Comments
Sport
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Manchester United have a rich history of producing some of the best young talents in world football - and the club might be about to embark on another talented superstar.
Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, known as JJ Gabriel, is a prestigious talent in the United academy. Born in October 2010, 14-year-old Gabriel has wowed those at Carrington with his performances at Under 14s level and it has since seen the forward move FOUR age groups up to the Under 18s.
He has scored 15 goals and added six assists in 13 matches in age groups beyond his own this season. Recognised for his versatility, Gabriel can excel as both a striker and a winger and is able to play in a number of roles across the front line.
His vision and passing enable him to be used in more creative positions, while his agility, pace and balance makes him a formidable opponent when running in behind. Gabriel has consistently played beyond his age group.
He was a regular for the Under 16s at just 13 and earned the Most Valuable Player award at a pre-season tournament in Hong Kong. During his time at the Asia event, he scored two goals and provided two assists and showed maturity beyond his years.
Rising Stars report that Gabriel's development has attracted attention not only within the club but also internationally. His flair, technical and dribbling ability have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr, while Cristiano Ronaldo's rise to prominence has also been likened.
With Gabriel talented and touted to have a successful career, Nike secured his services last month with what is believed to be one of the most lucrative contracts ever handed to a player of his age, as per Mail Sport. Part of their pitch was labelling him 'the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo's throne'.
Nike were said to be among a 'queue of brands' keen to work with Gabriel, who has amassed over 11,000 Instagram followers in recent months. Having initially signed with Nike during his time in the Under 10s, he turned down United's kit supplier, Adidas, in favour of their biggest rival.
United academy director Nick Cox has been inundated with glowing reports about Gabriel's rapid development and there is a feeling that he could become their next superstar in the future.
Although it wouldn't be for another couple of years at least, Gabriel could save United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe millions. Instead of spending north of £50million on new forward players, United might be able to look to Gabriel and blood him into the first-team group and give him a chance to impress on the world stage.
United have spent their fare share on attacking assets over the last decade - and not many have proven to be a success. In fact, it has been players from the club's academy that have made the biggest difference, with Marcus Rashford arguably United's best forward player during the last 10 years.
Gabriel - like Alejandro Garnacho has done - could be the latest star to come from the academy. David Beckham, Paul Pogba, Paul Scholes, Wes Brown and Kobbie Mainoo are among those that have come through ranks over the years and established themselves as a United first-team player.