Johan Manzambi celebrates scoring for Switzerland
Johan Manzambi celebrates scoring for Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)
“He gives the impression of being able to turn every ball into gold, creating danger as soon as he touches it,” one Swiss reporter wrote after Johan Manzambi’s latest dazzling performance for the national team on Tuesday night.
Aston Villa’s summer signing came off the bench at the start of the second half in Switzerland’s win over North Macedonia and was credited by outlet Hommedumatch with having “immediately provided what was missing: speed, intensity, risk-taking and, above all, the ability to create chances.”
Switzerland were 1-0 up at half-time, but Manzambi injected energy and excitement, playing in the No. 10 role that he will make his own under Unai Emery as the season develops.
He scored Switzerland’s second goal of the night from range in the 73rd minute, before Dan Ndoye added a third before full-time, extending Switzerland’s lead at the top of Nations League Group B1.
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RTS spoke about Manzambi’s ability to impact the game with every touch, adding: “Without wanting to get carried away, Switzerland has rarely been able to rely on a player capable of making such a difference.”
Blue News: “From the moment he entered the game, Switzerland’s play changed completely. He brought enthusiasm and an offensive threat.”
Watson: “He came on for Sow after the break. He showed that he is indispensable to this team. Not just because of his goal to make it 2-0, but because he inspires the team with his enthusiasm and skill.”
Blick: “If he maintains this attitude for as long as possible, this young man will have a great career.”
Johan Manzambi celebrates after scoring against Tottenham
Johan Manzambi celebrates after scoring against Tottenham(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Indeed, Switzerland believe they have a special player on their hands, and Villa are quietly confident that he can become one of the shining lights in the Premier League, too.
Replacing Morgan Rogers for £52 million, Manzambi is a different profile of player to Rogers, yet brings that same stardust and ability to win a game through his quality.
Adjusting to Unai Emery’s structure and tactical demands can take some time, however, so patience will be needed, just as it was with Rogers during the first months of his career in claret and blue.
Manzambi celebrates his 21st birthday next week, and while physically and mentally he is mature beyond his years, Emery knows that there is still plenty for him to learn.
The former SC Freiburg playmaker didn’t have a pre-season with Villa after suffering a knee injury during the World Cup, which sidelined him for months.
Manzambi had scored three goals and recorded a couple of assists in the four appearances he made for Switzerland at the tournament, before being nominated for the Best Young Player award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Speaking before Manzambi scored on his full debut against Tottenham ahead of the extended break, Emery said: “This break is crazy because it’s three weeks. I don’t like to be three weeks after tomorrow not playing.
“When Manzambi comes back with us, we must again try to join him with us in our structure, and his mind will maybe be confused. It is like that.”
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Even after his excellent second half against Spurs, in which he scored and assisted Nicolas Jackson’s goal, captain John McGinn said: “I think Johan struggled in the first half, but after half-time he seemed a lot more confident, and I’m delighted for him today.”
Emery added: “Manzambi played a good match, but he does not understand everything that we want in terms of positioning. His qualities go beyond the tactical idea that I want to achieve with him because he is a fantastic player. Sometimes he must feel free to play and exploit his qualities, but always within our structure.”
Manzambi’s confidence will have been boosted by his impressive showings for Switzerland, but above anything else, Emery will be delighted to have him back injury-free.
Better still, the midfielder now has minutes in his legs and plenty of recent game time under his belt, essentially bypassing the issue of not having a pre-season and helping him keep his fitness at a strong level after suffering an injury during the World Cup.
Given the length of time he had spent on the sidelines, a call-up to the national team felt like a risk, but it was one which might just have paid off for Villa in the end.