Manchester United starlet JJ Gabriel made his first senior appearance for the club in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid on Saturday
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Atletico de Madrid at Strawberry Arena
JJ Gabriel came off the bench for Manchester United during a friendly in Stockholm(Image: Getty)
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National media all pinpointed one thing as Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel made his "excellent" senior debut. The 15-year-old came off the bench as Michael Carrick's side beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a pre-season friendly.
Carrington is one of England's premier academies and the conveyor belt of talent into United's first team seems never-ending. But few have promised so much at such an early age as Gabriel.
The London-born phenom joined the club's ranks aged 11, and even then, he was being touted as a star of the future after videos of him playing went viral. The hype has been building for years, and having trained with Carrick's first team on occasion last season, he was given his uncompetitive senior bow on Saturday.
Gabriel did not feature for long, only being introduced in the 82nd minute with United leading 2-1 against Atletico in Stockholm thanks to a Bryan Mbeumo brace. Even though this was a fleeting cameo, the national media have still sung his praises, whilst in agreement that one thing needs to be worked on.
The Athletic
The teenager's raw talent was evident in the Swedish capital, but, like many other publications, The Athletic pointed out that Gabriel will need to develop physically to cope with the men's game. A report read: "Gabriel was brought on in the 82nd minute and his first action was to receive a pass and immediately have a defender barrel through his back and win a free kick.
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United interacts with JJ Gabriel of Manchester United after being substituted off during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Atletico de Madrid
Gabriel played 11 minutes(Image: Getty)
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"Second was some neat control near the right touchline, drawing acclaim from the crowd - and a brief carry forward. His first foray into the box ended in a blocked shot after the ball became stuck underneath his feet. His second, after a smart give-and-go with Leny Yoro, was more promising but ended with him being bundled to the floor.
"There were no real surprises: excellent technique, pace, little if anything in the way of one-on-one defence and a slight physique that needs plenty of development to cope with senior football."
The Telegraph
The Telegraph mirrored these concerns over physicality and wrote: "There were hints of why Gabriel is so well regarded during those eight minutes, as he found space in the centre of the pitch and linked well with Yoro.
"But he was also on the receiving end of some physical challenges – something he will have to grow accustomed to the more he plays at senior level."
The Daily Mail
Gabriel was not the only prodigy on show in Stockholm. Shea Lacey played a starring role and when the 15-year-old was substituted on, he entered the field with Jim Thwaites, whom The Daily Mail was quick to commend in equal measure.
"There is huge excitement around Gabriel, who doesn't even turn 16 until October. The youngster dubbed Kid Messi looked eager to get on the ball and finally got his chance in the 90th minute," read a report.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Atletico de Madrid at Strawberry Arena
The 15-year-old still has lots to learn(Image: Getty)
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"Faced with three defenders, Gabriel twisted and turned in the Atletico penalty box and saw his shot blocked. Moments later, he tried again but was forced to the ground.
"United fans will be hoping to see plenty more of Gabriel and also Thwaites, a gifted 18-year-old midfielder, in future and this was just the start."