Darren Fletcher is aiming to develop JJ Gabriel holistically, which is why he has played him in four positions already, but his best one is becoming clear.
Manchester United’s primary motive at the academy level right now is to handle the development of JJ Gabriel perfectly.
The spotlight around him at such a young age needs careful management, and his own goalscoring exploits at the academy level, despite playing various positions, aren’t calming the hype.
However, his best position is now becoming increasingly clear, and it couldn’t have been timed better, because it will influence Man Utd’s transfer plans directly.
JJ Gabriel in FA Youth Cup action.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Sum up JJ Gabriel in one word…🔥
JJ Gabriel celebrates for Manchester United.
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JJ Gabriel’s best position at Man Utd
So far, Darren Fletcher has deployed Gabriel all across the front line in a 4-2-3-1.
He started playing off the left, where he could use his trickery to cut inside and unleash shots as an inside forward.
Then he had a stint playing as a striker, as Fletcher challenged him to engage in physical duels with centre-backs and play with his back to the goal.
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There was a short stint on the right to force him to go down the byline more or use his weaker foot, and more recently, he has been playing just off the striker as Noah Ajayi breaks out on LW.
Gabriel has done well in every position, but he has shown an inclination towards occupying that left half-space regardless of where he starts the game.
He likes picking the ball up in those small pockets and running at the defence, preferably cutting inside like Marcus Rashford.
After playing four positions, it’s becoming clear that Gabriel’s long-term position will be as a right-footed left-winger, but more like a tricky and creative player instead of an explosive option like Ajayi could be.
Gabriel’s development will influence Man Utd’s transfer plans
Gabriel’s fondness for the left wing comes at a great time for United because the senior setup is in desperate need of one.
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JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
At his age, Gabriel won’t be the answer, but he’ll become first-team eligible next season which United will have to take into account.
The club might still buy a left-winger in the summer, but the age and playing profile of that player will change if they plan for Gabriel’s breakout.
Instead of buying someone like Yan Diomande, who’s a young inside-forward, they might look towards buying a left-footed traditional winger in the peak of his career.
That will give United multiple tactical options to play with an inside forward or a traditional winger, and leave the path open for Gabriel to eventually make that position his own.
To plan that much for a 15-year-old player might sound a bit extra, but then again, if Gabriel were just an ordinary 15-year-old player, he wouldn’t be necessitating these conversations with his form anyway.
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