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    Chelsea transfer target Benoit Badiashile was France wonderkid, once told off by Thierry Henry for his bad manners

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    YOU always want to be on the good side of your manager.But when French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile was just 19, he forgot his manners in front of former Monaco boss Thierry Henry, he was quickly reminded.
    French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile has signed for Chelsea
    But Badiashile once upset Thierry Henry when he forgot to tuck his chair in after a press conference
    A lot has changed for the uncompromising centre-back – who has reportedly agreed terms with Chelsea, ahead of a blockbuster move to the Blues for a fee reported fee north of £35million.
    But in December 2018, at a press conference ahead of Monaco’s must-win match against Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League tie – Badiashile was reprimanded for not putting his manager’s needs first.
    Badiashile was sat alongside the Arsenal legend answering reporters’ questions, and when the pair finished they jumped up from their seats to leave the room.
    However, poor Benoit forgot to tuck his chair in and Henry glared at him like a naughty schoolboy until the youngster returned to the table to correct his mistake.
    Since then, Badiashile has risen through the ranks – impressing under Niko Kovac and most recently Philippe Clement to become one of the most sought-after defenders in world football.
    BLOODED BY HENRY
    Despite infuriating his ex-manager, Badiashile was bled into the team by Henry who quickly realised the towering defender’s qualities.
    This season Badiashile has become a key part of Monaco’s defence as they chase the Ligue 1 titleCredit: AFP or licensors
    The 6ft 4in France under-21 international has gone on to play 135 times for the club since making his debut in the 2018-19 season.
    And when Henry was fired from the Stade Louis II, experienced manager Leonardo Jardim continued to integrate the prodigy into his side – installing a greater defensive discipline into Badiashile, although his appearances were more limited.
    And in reent seasons Badiashile has shone as manager have come and go.BROTHERS IN ARMS
    Born in France, and raised by Congolese parents – Badiashile dreamed of playing professional football.
    But it was his elder goalkeeping brother who made the grade first.
    Henry gave Badiashile his debut for MonacoCredit: AFP or licensors
    Loic Badiashile, now 24, is also highly thought of at Monaco – and made his first team debut in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Fenerbache in 2016.
    It ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss, and it seems that bad results on their debuts runs in the Badiashile family.
    When Benoit was thrown into the side against PSG, the Red and Whites were taught a lesson.
    He was helpless as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and former striker Edinson Cavani put Monaco to the sword, with the Uruguayan netting a hat-trick.
    CONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY
    It was a rude awakening for the teen sensation, but it didn’t destroy his confidence and he showed incredible mental strength to shrug that disappointment off.
    That courageous spirit is just one of Badiashile’s many qualities tha caught the eye of Europe’s top club, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Man Utd
    For his strong frame, his pace and ability to read the game and snuff out danger before it arrives is reminiscent of Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly,
    A powerhouse at the back, he’s tough to get past, but as with most young defenders positionally he can drift away from his man.
    That said, coaches for the French national team believe he’s the next big thing and have high hopes for Badiashile.
    Badiashile is strong, athletic and reads the game wellCredit: Getty – Contributor
    A France under-21 international, Badiashile is expected to become a full internationalCredit: Instagram
    Badiashile could be a big hit in the Premier League if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decides to sign him from FranceCredit: Instagram
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    He’s been capped at under-16 level – all the way through to the under-21’s for France – and has two caps at full level.
    Benoit revealed that Manchester United DID bid for him in 2020, however he snubbed a £22million move. His time in the Premier League, though, is now set to come. More

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      Chelsea talent Charlie Webster, 18, has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and wowed Kevin De Bruyne in KDB Cup

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      GENERATIONAL talents are becoming the norm at Stamford Bridge.In the past few years, thanks to Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and now Graham Potter, Chelsea’s youth talents are thriving in the first team.
      Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster is next off the conveyor belt at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      Webster might get his opportunity in the Chelsea first team under Grahan PotterCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount wowed all and is the back-to-back Chelsea player of the season, while Reece James seems to be winning the bumper race to be Gareth Southgate’s first-choice right-back.
      And now, there’s another name you can add to the list of youngsters hoping to get their chance under Potter.
      England’s Charlie Webster, 18, is a rising star and has already been tracked by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
      He’s been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’, and with the Bundesliga giants losing the Three Lions winger last summer they might just make a beeline for Charlie.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      MAKING AN IMPRESSION
      At just 15, Webster had Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wowed by his ability.
      The setting was the prestigious KDB Cup – an international U15 tournament named after the Belgium ace – with the midfielder as the guest of honour.
      Players from clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG were on show – all desperate to impress.
      It was Chelsea that ended up being victorious – beating Racing Genk on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.
      Star of the show was Webster, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.
      Blues starlet Webster has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’
      Webster starred at the KDB Cup in 2019

      He was awarded player of the tournament – winning a golden ball, as well as a signed De Bruyne shirt.
      One feels it could be the first of many awards headed Webster’s way in the future.
      A CULTURED MIDFIELDER
      In similar vein to Billy Gilmour, who joined Brighton in the summer, Webster is a cultured midfielder – good on the ball and smart in possession.
      However, unlike the Scot who prefers to dictate play from deep – Webster likes to get in the box and score goals.
      He started playing football at the Pezzaz Street Soccer academy, which have bases in Wiltshire and Hampshire, before joining Chelsea in 2016 at the age of 12.
      Coaches there believe he has a bright future in the game, and in the past Webster has spoken about his football dream.
      “Obviously, it’s to play for this brilliant club,” he told a reporter at the KDB Cup after starring for the Blues.
      Webster is a cultured midfielder, good on the ball and in possession
      In the past Webster has said it was his dream to play for “brilliant” ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      LEADING BY EXAMPLE
      Webster’s qualities have seen him earmarked as a leader.
      In 2019, he captained England’s U16 team in a match against Republic of Ireland – scoring his first international goal.
      He’s also played for the Three Lions’ U17s – coming off the bench in a 4-1 rout over the USA in 2020.
      And that was the same month Webster made his U18 Premier League debut for Chelsea against Southampton, followed by his U23 debut last April.
      Then in January 2021, Charlie signed his first professional contract with the club on his 17th birthday. Given his progress, you can imagine it’ll be the first of many.
      Webster has captained England at U16 levelCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea kid Armando Broja, 20, idolised Didier Drogba as a youngster and joined the Blues from London rivals Tottenham

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      CHELSEA striker Armando Broja is a man in demand.The 20-year-old Albanian striker enjoyed a successful loan at Southampton last season – which has prompted interest from London rivals West Ham, who are fighting to sign him in a £30million deal.
      Chelsea striker Armando Broja is a kid in demand
      Broja signed a five-year Chelsea deal in 2021 and his highly rated at the clubCredit: Getty
      Last season Broja played his football at Southampton and excelled
      However, recent reports suggest Thomas Tuchel wants to keep his man at the club, after impressing.
      Last year, Broja signed a five-year deal with the club. He grew up idolising club legend Didier Drogba. And if that’s not enough the powerful striker was plucked from bitter rivals Spurs when he was a youngster.
      TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
      After playing for his local club Burnham Juniors, Broja went on trial to Reading.
      He trained there, but wanted bigger and better things.
      Broja also played with the Fulham academy, and impressed coaches so much he was placed in a team with players on scholarship deals.
      But it was Premier League giants Tottenham who were the first to secure a deal with Broja.
      “I went to a tournament with Burnham Juniors and there was a Spurs scout there watching,” he told Chelseafc.com.
      “He actually came to watch another player in my team but I ended up winning Player of the Tournament and he took me on instead, so I went to Tottenham and signed for them.”
      MOVE TO THE BLUES
      In youth games, Broja starred against Chelsea.
      Immediately, the west London giants wanted the youngster to join their academy after being impressed by his ability.
      “I was at Spurs for two years from Under-8s until the end of Under-9s and in those two years, we played Chelsea a lot and they really liked me as a player and that’s when I joined the Academy,” he said.
      Broja scored 11 goals on loan at Vitesse ArnhemCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FOOTBALL IDOLS
      Like many aspiring Chelsea star, Broja’s footballing idol is Ivory Coast hero Drogba.
      “My Chelsea idol is Didier Drogba,” he said.
      “He was a machine, very strong, a great finisher and he had an amazing career.
      “At Chelsea, he achieved so much and he was always the one to produce in the big games.”
      Broja also grew up watching clips of Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
      “My dad first introduced me to him and I watched so many of his clips,” he said.
      “He was strong, fast, two-footed, he had everything. That’s who I aspire to be like.”
      At Southampton, Broja scored nine times in all competitions
      Brazilian legend Ronaldo is another striker Broja admiresCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Broja finally made his Chelsea debut under old boss Frank Lampard in 2020.
      He then spent the 20/21 campaign on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, where he scored 11 times.
      And last season managed nine goals in 38 games in all competitions for the Saints.
      With time still to go until the end of the transfer window, time will tell where his future lies. And it might be away from Stamford Bridge where he will have to flourish.
      Armando Broja joins a list of current Chelsea first team players who could be departing the club this summerCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Chelsea’s Levi Colwill has starred at Huddersfield, is rated as ‘next Rio’, but could be set for Stamford Bridge exit

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      CHELSEA may not get to see the best of Levi Colwill.The talented youngster, 19, has been a revelation on-loan at Huddersfield Town, as The Terriers push for promotion from the Championship.
      Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill has become a key player at HuddersfieldCredit: Getty
      His form, and current situation with the Blues, has alerted Premier League clubs that he could be available in the summer.
      Everton, Leicester City, and Southampton are all keeping tabs on the centre-half, dubbed the ‘next Rio Ferdinand’.
      And it could be that Colwill leaves Stamford Bridge and establishes himself as an England international, just like his pal Marc Guehi has done some eight miles away at Crystal Palace.
      First team opportunity
      Southampton-born, Colwill joined the Blues as an U9 and thrived through Chelsea’s youth set-up.
      He turned heads in the U18s, as well the U23s before the club decided that they needed to keep hold of their prized asset.
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      In 2021, he signed a four-year deal and was promised a loan deal to get some valuable first team experience with senior pros, who he’d only come up against playing in the EFL Trophy.
      Huddersfield gave him that opportunity, installing the 6ft2in defender into their backline.
      It’s fair to say, he hasn’t looked back – appearing 27 times and helping the club cement their place in the playoff positions.
      Unlike Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori, Colwill will be hopeful of getting his club promoted to the Premier League at the end of the campaign.
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      Just like Rio
      His presence from a defensive point of view has stood out, and he’s efficient in the tackle and comfortable in the air.
      But where Colwill really stands out is on the deck.
      He reads the game beautifully, and like central defenders of the modern era he’s comfortable bringing the ball out.
      His performances have led to comparisons to Rio Ferdinand, by none other than Rio’s brother, Anton.
      “When I’ve looked at him and watched him, the first thing I saw was his presence, his stature, his build,” he said.
      “For someone so young, 19 years old, to have the stature he’s got. He looks like he plays with an older head, which is also a good thing as a centre-back.
      “Blessed to be left-footed, there’s not many left-footed centre-backs about.
      “The ball at his feet is a major, major asset to his armoury.
      “He’s very good on the ball, he’s calm and collected, he’s assertive with his passing, he’s someone that can start attacks.
      Bringing the ball out of defence is one of Colwill’s many attributesCredit: PA
      Colwill in action for England’s U21 side last monthCredit: Rex
      “When you look at a modern day centre-back he’s got everything to go to the very top.
      “The word Rolls-Royce was associated with Rio, and he’s got similar attributes to Rio.”
      What’s next?
      Colwill’s future is currently in the balance.
      Chelsea are reportedly braced for a number of approaches for their wonderkid.
      So, it’s a question of how they can fit him in.
      Already a crowded position in the squad, some space will be filled up when Andreas Christensen leaves in the summer.
      The ageless Thiago Silva doesn’t appear to be slowing down, while Trevoh Chalobah has impressed at times.
      While Antonio Rudiger’s contract talks are still up in the air, following a breakdown in discussions.
      Chelsea however may be tempted to cash in now.
      Whatever he decides, there are plenty of suitors.
      His performances at Huddersfield Town have earned Colwill comparisons with Man Utd legend Rio FerdinandCredit: Getty
      With his future up in the air, Chelsea would loathe to lose ColwillCredit: Getty
      Aware of his ability in Chelsea’s youth teams, Frank Lampard is believed to be interested in bringing him to Goodison Park.
      Southampton want to add him to their collection ex-Chelsea youths, having already seen success with Tino Livramento.
      If he does decide to leave, Chelsea’s loss will certainly be their gain. More

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      Meet Chelsea kid Tudor Mendel-Idowu, 17, who attends Eton College, was on Child Genius TV show and is studying Latin

      by

      MEET Tudor Mendel-Idowu, who surely must be the UK’s brightest footballer.The Chelsea academy prospect, 17, is blossoming in the U18s this season – with five goals and three assists in nine games.
      Tudor Mendel-Idowu is a rising star with Chelsea’s U18 sideCredit: Getty
      Mendel-Idowu is also a student at prestigious Eton CollegeCredit: Linkedin
      However, if he doesn’t make the grade as a player – he can count on his education.
      Mendel-Idowu is a star pupil at the prestigious Eton College, where Prince William and Harry attended.
      Better still, he’s a King’s Scholar – meaning he’s one of the most academically gifted boys in the country.
      Early bloomer
      As early as aged eight, Mendel-Idowu was juggling academia with playing football.
      He took part in the Child Genius of the Year in 2014, alongside his 11-year-old sister Hazelle, that featured on Channel 4.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      The competition was overseen by Mensa, and featured 20 highly-gifted youngsters between the ages of seven to 12, who face two gruelling rounds: Logic and Reasoning and Memory Recall – where they have just one hour to commit 104 randomly shuffled playing cards to memory.
      While his sister was eliminated in the second round, brainy Tudor finished second overall.
      At the same time, he discovered a flair for the beautiful game as various clubs declared their interest.
      “Like every kid, I played football from a very young age,” he told Chelsea’s website.
      “It would have been around the age of seven or eight that I realised I had a special talent. About the same time, I saw my academic gift coming to fruition as well.
      “There were different top academies across the UK that approached me. Chelsea were the ones who showed the most interest and essentially being the top academy, they really wanted to get me, and did in the end.”
      At age eight Mendel-Idowu appear on Channel 4’s Child Genius of the YearCredit: Channel 4
      Mendel-Idowu finished runner-up in the competition overseen by MensaCredit: Channel 4
      Runs in the family
      Intelligence and being a brilliant footballer (he’s been capped by England at U15 and U17 level) is in Mendel-Idowu’s blood.
      His grandfather on his mother’s side played internationally for his country, Nigeria.
      While on his father’s side, his other grandad Dr Fola Kayode Mendel-Idowu was a gifted academic who specialised in bio-aeronautics.
      He would make history as Africa’s first flying doctor.
      “My parents have always said I am a sort of fusion of these two extraordinary individuals,” he recently told FIFA.com.
      This campaign Mendel-Idowu has scored five times for Chelsea’s U18s in nine gamesCredit: Getty
      Talented midfielder Mendel-Idowu has been capped by England U17sCredit: Instagram
      Astonishingly, Tudor is a King’s Scholar at Eton.
      “King’s Scholars are the top fourteen brightest students in the UK, if not the world, admitted once per year at the age of 13,” he explained.
      “It’s decided after a rigorous examination process over two weeks, covering papers in a variety of subjects: Maths, Latin and Divinity to name a few.”
      Currently, he’s studying Latin, Greek and Modern History for his A-levels.
      He said: “Students who study these subjects have a wide range of options. I’m looking at Classics courses which opens other pathways like Philosophy, Law, Literature and Archaeology.
      “Foreign policy and international relations have always interested me too. I can really go in any of these directions.”
      Mendel-Idowu is juggling a football career with academiaCredit: Instagram
      Bright Mendel-Idowu has big ambitions to be a first class playerCredit: Getty
      But he won’t neglect his football, which he still holds a massive ambition in.
      “I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic,” Tudor revealed.
      “I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues. Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see!” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s Anthony Elanga scored against Atletico Madrid in Champions League, idolises Thierry Henry and signed big deal

      by

      BRILLIANT Anthony Elanga is well on his way to becoming Manchester United’s next youth success story.The Swedish winger, 19, saved the Red Devils with late equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
      Anthony Elanga, 19, scored his first senior Man Utd goal against WolvesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      Elanga celebrates his late equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      He was tipped to leave the club for a loan move in the Championship in the January transfer window, however boss Ralf Rangnick wanted him to stay.
      That faith has been justified following his goals at Leeds and Atletico in the past week.
      United fans already knew about his prowess from last season.
      The flying youngster scored his first senior goal for the Red Devils with a bullet header against Wolves on the final day of the campaign.
      Football is something that is very much in his blood.
      His dad Joseph Elanga was a professional footballer, who earned 17 caps for Cameroon and was called up to the 1998 World Cup squad.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Elanga made his senior debut against LeicesterCredit: AP
      Elanga has four goals in eight games for the Under-23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Anthony was previously handed the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, which has been won by first-teamers Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in the past.
      While back in March, Elanga was rewarded for his rapid progress with a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
      KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
      Anthony’s father Joseph could say he taught him everything he knew.
      But the elder Elanga, now 42, wasn’t a forward like his son. He was a defender, who made a career for himself in Europe – in countries including Greece, Sweden and Denmark, before retiring in 2012.
      Anthony Elanga is the latest promising talent coming through the Man Utd ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      19-year-old forward and Swedish youth star Elanga won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year awardCredit: Sportsfile
      His best years were with Malmo from 2000-2005, who he won the Swedish championship with in 2004. He would join the club for one season again in 2010 and win a second league title.
      Joseph was a member of the Cameroon 1998 World Cup squad, but didn’t play a game.
      During his career, however, he did manage to gain 17 caps for his country.
      Joseph Elanga played in Europe for clubs including Malmo and Brondby (pictured here)Credit: Getty
      Elanga Sr played 17 times for Cameroon and was picked for their 1998 World Cup squadCredit: Alamy
      A THREAT UPFRONT
      United’s youth sides are blessed with promising forwards, with the likes of Shola Shoretire, Charlie McNeill and Dillon Hoogewerf all showing they have a bright future in the game.
      Like them, Elanga has the ability to play out wide or though the middle as a No9.
      Predominantly right-footed, he uses his pace and skill to beat his man, often cutting in before unleashing a shot on goal.
      His solo runs are reminiscent of a young Ryan Giggs, who could take three or four players out of a game in one swashbuckling gallop.

      Elanga has been with the Red Devils since the U12s, joining the academy from Sunday League side Hattersley FC.
      In 2019-20, after a prolific season with the U18 side with who he scored seven times in nine games, he was the recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award
      In March Elanga signed a long-term deal with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      Elanga has an eye for goal and was previously named Utd academy player of the yearCredit: Getty
      Predominantly right-footed, Elanga likes to drift to the left and cut in towards goalCredit: Getty
      HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE
      Elanga – who scored two goals in five matches for Sweden’s U17s – had excited Solskjaer in training before his first-team debut.
      “He’s got an X factor, some attributes, it’s not like a gift, but he’s got the acceleration, pace, speed, that’s a given for wingers and he’s got qualities I like,” the Norwegian explained.
      “He’s a goalscoring winger, he’s confident, he likes to beat men, right foot, left foot, he’s got a great attitude.”

      Humble Elanga understands he has to work hard to achieve regular first team footballCredit: Instagram anthonyelanga
      Elanga can see a pathway to the United first team after seeing the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood flourishCredit: Getty
      Elanga is equally as positive for his future, and knows what he has to do to impress his boss.
      Back in November he told PA, “You look at the likes of Mason and Rashy, there is a pathway there.
      “It just shows you that if you’re willing to put the work into it and continue to work hard day in, day out in training there’s a pathway for you there.”
      HEROES IN THE GAME
      In an interview with The Athletic last year, Elanga revealed who he models his game on.
      “Thierry Henry was my idol and I tried to match my game with his,” he said.
      “He was quick. He could play anywhere across the front three – striker, left wing, right wing – and that’s how I want to replicate my game.”
      Solskjaer said Elanga has an X-Factor about him and a promising futureCredit: Getty
      Elanga idolises Thierry Henry and tries to copy his hero’s gameCredit: Getty
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville caught a glimpse of Elanga in full flight, when he co-commentated on United Under-21s 6-0 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy last year.
      He said the youngster was a “nightmare to play against” and called his goal “Thierry Henry-esque.”
      If he’s half the player Henry was, United have got themselves a real talent.
      Solskjaer says Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford in doubt for Granada match More