Boy Wonders

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea kid Jamal Musiala is Bayern Munich’s youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorer and set for Champions League debut

      by

      LAST month, Jamal Musiala became Bayern Munich’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Bundesliga – scoring in the 8-0 rout over Schalke.
      And ahead of the Bavarians Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid tonight, he could make his Champions League bow too.

      4

      English wonderkid Jamal Musiala is Bayern Munich’s youngest ever scorer at just 17 years and 205  daysCredit: AFP

      4

      Musiala scored the landmark goal in an 8-0 win over Schalke and could be in line for a Champions League debut against Atletico MadridCredit: AFP

      The former Chelsea academy ace was just 17 years and 205 days old when he came off the bench and made history against the side from Gelsenkirchen in September.
      Musiala only made his first-team debut in June, coming on as a sub for Bayern Munich in their 3-1 win over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
      The promising attacking midfielder, plucked from the Blues in the summer of 2019, was a late replacement for club legend Thomas Muller with just a couple of minutes left on the clock.
      It shows the potential the German giants see in the England youth star.

      Earlier in June, Musiala scored his first two goals for the Bavarians, playing for their reserve side in Germany’s third tier, 3.Liga.
      His double in the 2-0 win over FSV Zwickau made him the second youngest goalscorer in the history of that competition – aged just 17 years and 98 days.
      Although Musiala was just 45 days short of the record set by David Alaba, the impressive feat was not lost on Bayern’s social media channels – with their official Twitter page sharing an image of Jamal with a lovestruck eyes emoji.

      4

      Musiala made his Bundesliga debut against SC Freiburg in JuneCredit: EPA
      EARLY BEGINNINGS
      Born in Stuttgart, Germany Musiala moved to Southampton aged seven to accompany his mother to study on a year abroad before moving to south London in 2011.

      His natural talent was sniffed out by the Saints almost immediately before Chelsea snapped him up as he moved to the capital.
      The club ensured he was educated at Whitgift Secondary School in Croydon – where Victor Moses and Bayern target Callum Hudson-Odoi also studied.
      And the school’s director of football and former Crystal Palace striker Andrew Martin told DW Sports: “He would score 50+ goals for us a season, and he wasn’t far off that mark at Chelsea.
      “Technically outstanding, very skillful, and a player who can score all types of goals, inside and outside the box. And he’s a great dribbler and likes to take players on, as he did against Schalke.
      “He was always immaculately dressed for school and presented himself extremely well.
      “And he would take that onto the football field, too: his conduct, his effort, his steely determination. Everything added up to him being the complete package.”

      4

      Musiala has now appeared six times for Bayern Munich in all competitions this seasonCredit: Getty – Pool
      MOVING FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE
      Despite Chelsea’s desperate attempts to keep Musiala at Stamford Bridge on a long-term deal, the Stuttgart-born youngster signed for Bayern Munich in 2019 on a five-year-contract.
      He joined the trend of English youngsters leaving the UK for Germany in search of first team football, including Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson.
      And he could’ve had another Chelsea player sharing that experience with him.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi, who like Jamal is repped by First Access Sports, was a chief target for the German champions around the same time, before they turned their attentions to Musiala and the England international signed a new deal with the Blues.
      ENGLAND OR GERMANY?
      Although he was born in Germany, Musiala has starred for the Three Lions at youth level.
      Astonishingly, he made his debut for the Under-15s at the tender age of 13.

      Musiala (second from right) scored his first two professional goals in JuneCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Musiala in action for England U17sCredit: Rex Features

      Musiala plays as an attacking midfielder or second strikerCredit: Rex Features

      In 2018 Musiala played for the Germany U16 team against BelgiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      While for the U16 side he scored three times in nine games, providing two assists. Musiala has since appeared for England’s U17 team six times and scored twice.
      However, he may be hedging his bets when it comes to international football.
      The promising talent has also played twice for the German U16s, so expect a tug-of-war over his international future.
      SUPER SUB
      On June 3, Musiala made his professional debut over Preußen Münster in the 3. Liga – coming on as a sub in a 3-2 win.
      A week later, he scored his first professional goals.
      With Bayern struggling to break down FSV Zwickau, Musiala was introduced to proceedings replacing Malik Tillman after 57 minutes.
      And he made the difference, with his two strikes coming in the 75th and 85th minutes to earn his side victory.
      HE’S COLD AS ICE
      His boss Sebastian Hoeness praised Musiala’s ice-cold demeanour after the game.
      He revealed: “The boy is freezing cold. If you talk to him before the game, he appears focused, calm and reserved.

      Musiala became the second youngest scorer in 3.Liga when he netted twice for Bayern MunichCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Germany and England are set for a tug-of-war over Musiala’s international futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “But when he comes on the field, he literally explodes. That’s exactly what we want to see from young players. They should take your heart in your hand and be brave.”
      He added: “We know that Jamal has great qualities with the ball. The boy helps us, so he deserves the chance.
      “Against Zwickau, he rewarded himself and helped us a lot as a team, which makes me extremely happy.”

      Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Champions League match More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Dortmund’s 15-year-old Moukoko has 10-year boot deal with Nike, is set for Champions League squad and is a goal-machine

      by

      WHERE were you when Youssoufa Moukoko made his Champions League debut?
      That could be the question on every football fans’ lips in years to come when this incredibly gifted striker fulfils his promise.

      9

      Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko is set to be named in the German’s Champions League squad at just 15Credit: Getty – Contributor

      And we may get to see that moment this season.
      The 15-year-old sensation is set to be named in Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League squad.
      Should he make his debut for the German giants, Moukoko will become the youngest ever Champions League debutant.
      RULE BREAKER
      Unbelievably, Moukoko is so good the Bundesliga have changed their age eligibility rules in order to let him play.

      Previously, players have not been allowed to play in Germany’s top-flight until they are 16-and-a-half.
      But such have been the waves caused by Moukoko’s rapid rise, that this has now been lowered to just 16, which he turns on November 20.
      Furthermore, in anticipation of his German debut (he would be eligible to play away Hertha Berlin on November 21) the live-wire forward has been training with Lucien Favre’s first team.
      The current Dortmund record was set by Nuri Sahin back in 2005, when he made his debut at 16 years, 11 months and one day – before going on to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool.

      9

      Striker Moukoko has scored goals for fun at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      9

      Moukoko averaged a goal or an assist every 40 minutes during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      9

      Last year, Moukoko signed a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth around £9mCredit: Nike
      The German teen, who signed a boot deal with Nike for 10-years worth a reported £9million in 2019, has left observers flabbergasted by his incredible ability at such a young age.
      But his progress is nothing new.
      GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
      At the age of just 12, pre-teen Moukoko was playing for Dortmund’s under-17s and Germany’s under-16s.
      He scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 games at under-17 level, before bagging 34 in 20 this season for the under-19s – despite having started the season as a 14-year-old.
      And after the Bundesliga’s new ruling, dubbed the “Moukoko rule”, he could make his first-team bow in the winter – and become Dortmund’s youngster-ever player.
      Champions League-winning club legend and youth boss Lars Ricken spoke to German newspaper Bild about Moukoko’s rapid rise.
      “He’s scored a lot of goals, is very inquisitive, hungry for success, hardworking and always comes with a smile that distinguishes him,” he said.
      “That’s what we look at. The tools are there.”

      9

      The Bundesliga lowered the legal age for debutants because of Moukoko’s abilityCredit: Getty – Contributor

      9

      First team striker Erling Haaland welcomes Moukoko to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOW OLD IS HE?
      But such success has been quickly met with doubts about his age, even from inside his own club.
      Dortmund’s Under-23s manager Timo Preus said: “With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed.
      “Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult.
      “There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything.”
      However, Moukoko’s dad Joseph has been forced to insist his son is the age he claims he is – even if he refuses to get caught up in the tidal wave of excitement surrounding the lad.

      9

      Moukoko jostles for the ball with Dortmund’s Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      9

      Questions have been asked of Moukoko’s ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Moukoko Sr said: “His age is right.
      “Immediately after he was was born I registered him at the German consulate in Yaounde. We have a German birth certificate.
      “For me he is not a wonderkid. I was even better as a kid.”
      CONVEYOR BELT OF TALENT
      Dortmund have a rich heritage in bleeding first class youngsters from their youth set-up to the first team.
      Impressive Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel in 2016.
      And more recently, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Gio Reyna have made fans sit up and take notice of their ability.

      9

      Moukoko is the next big thing in Germany and has the world at his feetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      14-year-old BVB wonder kid Youssoufa Moukoko’s two goals from Wednesday’s U17 victory…followed by a famous celebration ⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/2ag5LHCTFa
      — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 7, 2019

      The German giants have also spent around £25million on Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham, who himself only turned 17 back in June.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of Moukoko last November: “He’s an outstanding talent and we want him to learn how to train and play with adults.”
      And thanks to the “Moukoko rule”, this November it appears that Zorc can get his wish.

      Perry Groves says ‘hats off’ to Jude Bellingham after 17-year-old seals £23m move to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City More

    • 288 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid Joe Hugill, aged 16, is 6ft 2in striker who plays like Kane and scored winning pen in EFL Trophy win

      by

      MESSI, Salah, Maradona… Joe Hugill is in good company.
      Like those star forwards, the Manchester United wonderkid is blessed with a magical left foot capable of hurting the opposition.

      6

      Joe Hugill scored the winning penalty – with his right foot – against Rochdale in the EFL TrophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It’s why the Red Devils paid Sunderland £300,000 for the 16-year-old back in the summer.
      Hugill impressed with United’s U21 team in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy win over Rochdale, coming close when he hit the woodwork and scoring the winning penalty (with his right foot) in a shootout after the sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes.
      The 6ft 2in frame showed he is a capable target man – as comfortable receiving the ball on the deck as he is leaping for a long ball in the air.
      Here’s why the Old Trafford hierarchy moved quick to secure Hugill’s services in the summer, beating off competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

      A TRUE MACKEM
      Born and bred in Sunderland, Hugill spent his entire youth career at his boyhood club.
      In recent years, the Black Cats have produced an incredible array of talent.
      England goalie Jordan Pickford and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson have risen to the top after coming through the ranks in the North East.
      Josh Maja made waves in the Sunderland first team before he was signed by Bordeaux, where he is thriving in France.

      6

      Hugill was born and bred in Sunderland

      6

      In the summer United paid Sunderland £300,000 for Hugill’s servicesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Sam Greenwood earned rave reviews for Arsenal’s youth sides, after joining the Gunners in 2018 from the EFL League One side, and recently earned a £3million move to Leeds United.
      Like those mentioned, Hugill shone at the ‘Academy of Light’, playing for both the U18s and U23s.
      TECHNICALLY SOUND
      First thing you’ll notice about Hugill’s game is his touch.
      When the ball is played to feet it sticks, and he’s able to bring others into the game with his link-up play.
      But there’s also goals to his game too.
      On his Premier League 2 debut, with Sunderland rock bottom of the table, he scored twice against West Ham in a 4-2 defeat.
      Hugill also scored a hat-trick against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Youth Cup – alerting scouts to his abilities.

      6

      At 6ft 2in Hugill offers a presence in the boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      6

      Hugill boasts similarities to Harry KaneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      6

      Hugill impressed in the EFL Trophy win over RochdaleCredit: Rex Features
      Although more slight in build, he has been compared to England hotshot Harry Kane in terms of his style of play.
      He’s not blessed with pace, but he certainly knows where the goal is.
      UNITED’S YOUTH PUSH
      Hugill is seen as one for the future by Nicky Butt, now head of first team development, but was formerly overseeing their youth set-up.

      The graduate of the ‘Class of ’92’ oversaw the arrivals of Tahith Chong, Charlie McCann, France youth stars Aliou Traore and Hannibal Mejbri, Arnau Puigmal, and Largie Ramazani in that role, until Nick Cox took over the reigns last year.
      And with his recommendation, Hugill was added to that list of promising youngsters.
      Perhaps the class of 2020 can be just as impressive as Beckham, the Nevilles, Scholes and Co in years to come.

      Man Utd fans demand Ed Woodward get out of the club after Rio Ferdinand reveals story of his brutal exit More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea wonderkid Jamal Musiala, 17, becomes Bayern Munich’s youngest ever goalscorer in Bundesliga

      by

      JAMAL MUSIALA became Bayern Munich’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Bundesliga with a strike in Friday’s 8-0 win over Schalke.
      The former Chelsea academy ace came off the bench to make history and also record a personal milestone with his first senior goal, aged just 17 years and 205 days.

      3

      English wonderkid Jamal Musiala became Bayern Munich’s youngest ever scorer at just 17 years and 205  daysCredit: AFP

      3

      Musiala scored the landmark goal in an 8-0 win over Schalke on Friday nightCredit: AFP

      Musiala only made his first-team debut in June, coming on as a sub for Bayern Munich in their 3-1 win over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
      The promising attacking midfielder, plucked from Chelsea’s academy in the summer of 2019, was a late replacement for club legend Thomas Muller with just a couple of minutes left on the clock.
      It shows the potential the German giants see in the England youth star.
      Earlier in June, Musiala scored his first two goals for the Bavarians, playing for their reserve side in Germany’s third tier, 3.Liga.

      His double in the 2-0 win over FSV Zwickau made him the second youngest goalscorer in the history of that competition – aged just 17 years and 98 days.
      Although Musiala was just 45 days short of the record set by David Alaba, the impressive feat was not lost on Bayern’s social media channels – with their official Twitter page sharing an image of Jamal with a lovestruck eyes emoji.

      3

      Musiala made his Bundesliga debut against SC Freiburg in JuneCredit: EPA
      MOVING FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE
      Despite Chelsea’s desperate attempts to keep Musiala at Stamford Bridge on a long-term deal, the Stuttgart-born youngster signed for Bayern Munich in 2019 on a five-year-contract.
      He joined the trend of English youngsters leaving the UK for Germany in search of first team football, including Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson.

      And he could’ve had another Chelsea player sharing that experience with him.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi, who like Jamal is repped by First Access Sports, was a chief target for the German champions around the same time, before they turned their attentions to Musiala and the England international signed a new deal with the Blues.
      ENGLAND OR GERMANY?
      Although he was born in Germany, Musiala has starred for the Three Lions at youth level.
      Astonishingly, he made his debut for the Under-15s at the tender age of 13.

      Musiala (second from right) scored his first two professional goals in JuneCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Musiala in action for England U17sCredit: Rex Features

      Musiala plays as an attacking midfielder or second strikerCredit: Rex Features

      In 2018 Musiala played for the Germany U16 team against BelgiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      While for the U16 side he scored three times in nine games, providing two assists. Musiala has since appeared for England’s U17 team six times and scored twice.
      However, he may be hedging his bets when it comes to international football.
      The promising talent has also played twice for the German U16s, so expect a tug-of-war over his international future.
      SUPER SUB
      On June 3, Musiala made his professional debut over Preußen Münster in the 3. Liga – coming on as a sub in a 3-2 win.
      A week later, he scored his first professional goals.
      With Bayern struggling to break down FSV Zwickau, Musiala was introduced to proceedings replacing Malik Tillman after 57 minutes.
      And he made the difference, with his two strikes coming in the 75th and 85th minutes to earn his side victory.
      HE’S COLD AS ICE
      His boss Sebastian Hoeness praised Musiala’s ice-cold demeanour after the game.
      He revealed: “The boy is freezing cold. If you talk to him before the game, he appears focused, calm and reserved.

      Musiala became the second youngest scorer in 3.Liga when he netted twice for Bayern MunichCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Germany and England are set for a tug-of-war over Musiala’s international futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “But when he comes on the field, he literally explodes. That’s exactly what we want to see from young players. They should take your heart in your hand and be brave.”
      He added: “We know that Jamal has great qualities with the ball. The boy helps us, so he deserves the chance.
      “Against Zwickau, he rewarded himself and helped us a lot as a team, which makes me extremely happy.” More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Arsenal wonderkid Musah, 17, is the first Englishman to play for Valencia and has captained England’s youth teams

      by

      THEY might just regret letting this one go.
      In 2019 Yunus Musah was allowed to leave Arsenal, after seven years training at their Hale End academy, for pastures new.

      9

      Yunus Musah became the first Englishman to play for Valencia and their youngest ever foreign debutantCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      9

      Musah, 17, spent seven years with Arsenal before leaving for Valencia in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor

      There were rumblings inside the club that coaches believed it was a serious mistake to grant the talented midfielder, capped by England at youth level, a move to Valencia.
      But Arsenal’s loss is the La Liga giant’s gain – with Musah, 17, growing in confidence in Spain.
      Last weekend, the outstanding midfielder made his debut for Los Che in a 4-2 win over Levante UD, and he is expected to be in the squad for tomorrow’s clash against Celta Vigo.
      He is the first Englishman to have played for Valencia, and the club’s all-time youngest foreign player. Here’s his story.

      BORN IN NY, RAISED IN LONDON
      Musah was born in New York, where his mum was on holiday at the time.
      The family, of Ghanaian descent, lived in Italy until he was nine where he played for local team Giorgione.
      They then moved to London and he was immediately snapped up by Arsenal, eventually graduating from their Hale End academy.
      Musah was highly-rated in North London, having played a significant role in helping the U18 side win the Premier League in 2019 – scoring five goals in 17 appearances.

      But last year he felt Valencia offered him a better pathway towards first-team football, and it appears that was the right decision for the exciting youngster.

      9

      Musah was born in New York to Ghanaian parents and raised in Italy and EnglandCredit: Instagram @ yunus.musah8

      9

      So far Musah has played for England at U15, U16, U17 and U18 levelCredit: Rex Features

      9

      A leader among boys, Musah has captained the Three Lions at various levelsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      INTERNATIONAL PEDIGREE
      Born in the USA, with Ghanaian parents and having UK and Italian citizenship means Musah can play for all those countries.
      But, so far, he’s been loyal to England – playing internationally at U15, U16, U17, and most recently U18 level.
      He’s also been named Three Lions captain a number of times, and is seen as a real leader of his generation.
      Should he continue his rapid ascension in the game, expect Italy, Ghana and the USA to test the waters of his loyalty to see if he will switch allegiances.
      WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?
      An attacking midfielder with an eye for a pass, Musah is strong on the ball.
      His athleticism allows him to run past players with ease and create opportunities for his team-mates.
      Able to play as a No10 or out wide, he also boasts fine dribbling skills and has an eye for goal.
      But he’s a sucker for perfection and knows where he needs to improve.

      Sign up to play Dream Team 20/21 now

      It’s completely free to play
      Play the traditional Season game as well as Draft
      There’s a hefty jackpot up for grabs across 2020/21
      SIGN UP TO PLAY HERE

      9

      Athletic Musah in action against Levante last weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      9

      Musah can play as a No10 or out wideCredit: AFP or licensors
      “I want to score more goals and be more consistent with my passes as well,” he said.
      “Sometimes in the game I can do so many good passes and one bad one, I want to correct that.”
      PRAISE BE
      Musah is expected to feature plenty more times for Valencia this season, and has the backing of his manager.

      He already speaks excellent Spanish and was seen on his debut constantly talking to his team-mates and showing the self-confidence needed to be a success.
      His coach Javi Gracia highlighted Musah’s maturity in his post-match press conference after the Levante match, insisting that he believes the wonderkid has the ability and mindset to reach the very top.
      With Arsenal looking to add midfielders like Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar to their squad, they might’ve missed a trick not integrating Musah into their first-team set-up sooner.

      9

      Musah has the maturity to succeed at the highest levelCredit: Rex Features

      9

      Arsenal may rue letting Musah leave North LondonCredit: Instagram @ yunus.musah8

      Aubameyang signs new £350k-a-week contract and says he wants to become an Arsenal legend More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich Champions League hero Alphonso Davies was born in a refugee camp, fled to Canada before becoming a star

      by

      FROM a refugee camp to the Champions League within the space of two decades – jet-heeled Alphonso Davies has one incredible story to tell.
      The 19-year-old Canadian flying winger joined Bayern Munich for £17million in January, 2019 from Vancouver Whitecaps, the biggest fee ever paid for an MLS player.

      13

      Alphonso Davies has overcome the toughest of upbringings to become a star at Bayern

      13

      Davies was in devastating form in the 8-2 rout of BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      13

      Davies earned the respect of Lionel Messi with his performanceCredit: Manu Fernandez
      And in the past year, he has showed it was money well spent as he blossomed into, arguably, the best left-back in the world.
      In Bayern’s 8-2 destruction of Barcelona, who rejected him as a youngster, in last week’s Champions League quarter-final tie, Davies tore a shred out of experience Portuguese international Nelson Semedo to set up the Germans’ fifith goal.
      He also devastating in his side’s 3-0 win over Chelsea in the Champions League back in February.
      The lightning winger-turned-full-back was sensational at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea could not get near him.

      Bayern team-mate Thomas Muller said: “He’s learnt a lot since he’s been here. It was a world class performance.”
      And former Munich and England star Owen Hargreaves said: “What an athlete he is. He’s a winger, he’s played as a full-back this season, and he’s been absolutely outrageous.”
      It has been an amazing journey, as he was born in a refugee camp in Ghana in 2000.

      It was hard to live there because the only way you survive sometimes is you have to carry guns, too. And we didn’t have any interest in shooting guns
      Father Debeah Davies

      WAR-TORN BEGINNINGS
      When the Second Liberian Civil War started, his parents Victoria and Debeah Davies fled their homeland.

      “You had to cross over bodies to go and find food,” his mother Victoria said.
      “It was hard, it was dangerous,” father Debeah said.
      “It was hard to live there because the only way you survive sometimes is you have to carry guns, too. And we didn’t have any interest in shooting guns.”
      They travelled hundreds of miles across West Africa, eventually finding sanctuary in a refugee camp at Buduburam in the Gomoa East District of Ghana.

      13

      Alphonso Davies terrorised Chelsea’s Reece JamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      13

      Buduburam Refugee Camp, east of Accra, where Alphonso Davies was bornCredit: AFP – Getty

      13

      Alphonso Davies is a sublime athleteCredit: Rex Features

      13

      Alphonso Davies made his debut for Canada aged 16 shortly after gaining citizenship

      13

      Alphonso Davies was too much for Chelsea to handleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Their eldest child Alphonso was born on November 2, 2000, and he spent the first five years of his life in the camp.
      Eventually they passed an interview for a resettlement programme and settled in Edmonton, Canada.
      HE DISCOVERED FOOTBALL
      Alphonso enrolled in the Free Footie programme – an after-school initiative for inner-city kids who cannot afford registration fees or transportation to games.
      He was spotted by the Whitecaps, and four years ago, at the age of just 15, Davies was handed his professional debut for reserve team Whitecaps FC 2.
      A month later he scored his first senior goal.

      13

      Alphonso Davies’ style has been likened to that of Gareth BaleCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      13

      Alphonso Davies scored against French Guiana, and has five goals already for CanadaCredit: AFP or licensors
      Later that summer, former Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson took the punt and gave Davies his first taste of top-flight football, making him the second youngest MLS player after Freddy Adu.
      ‘HE CAN RUN ALL DAY’
      Robinson, 41, a former Wolves, Sunderland and Norwich midfielder, now in charge of A-League side Newcastle Jets, said: “Alphonso has all the attributes you want top players to have: he’s 6ft 1in, he’s an athlete, he can run all day, he has phenomenal pace.

      He was very skinny and slight but once he beat one or two players other coaches saw the same potential I saw in him
      Former coach Carl Robinson

      “What he needs to work on is the fact he does the really hard things well and yet he sometimes messes up the simple things. But that’s down to concentration.
      “I wanted to get him in the first-team environment because I saw him as this energetic, hungry player, who could cope with men but had to be taught sooner rather than later.
      “I have always been sick of stories of players who have talent but were not given the chance.
      “He was very skinny and slight but once he beat one or two players other coaches saw the same potential I saw in him.

      “Remember, he was still a young boy, he liked going out for ice cream, playing on his PlayStation until 2am. Which, of course, is not ideal for being a pro footballer.
      “But I tried to find a balance between letting him being a boy and going through and learning his own mistakes.

      13

      Carl Robinson is the former head coach of the Vancouver WhitecapsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      13

      Alphonso Davies celebrates scoring against the San Jose EarthquakesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “He’s a brilliant person. He likes to dance and sing.
      “He is a proper human being. His mum and dad deserve a lot of credit for bringing him up the right way.”
      In 2018, Davies received Canadian citizenship.
      Once the formalities were agreed, he became, at the age of 16, the youngest player to represent the Canada men’s national team.
      JUST LIKE GARETH BALE
      Several Premier League clubs showed interest in Davies, notably Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, but the Bayern offer proved too lucrative to turn down.
      Robinson, a former Wales international, said: “Alphonso has the mentality of Robbie Keane, who played with an edge, didn’t care about anybody when he came through at 15.
      “But his characteristics are like Gareth Bale.

      “I worked with Gareth at Wales, and I would say Alphonso is around the same level.
      “Alphonso moved to a big club at 17; Gareth didn’t get his chance until later.
      “But they are very similar and I liken them to each other.
      “His incredible story is the reason why you play this game.
      “He has proved dreams do come true.”

      13

      The £17m fee for Davies is the highest ever paid for an MLS playerCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      Alphonso Davies pens new Bayern Munich contract until 2025 More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City teen Tommy Doyle follows in the footsteps of grandads club legends Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe in making debut

      by

      AS he high-fived Riyad Mahrez and ran onto the pitch, Tommy Doyle followed a family tradition.
      The 18-year-old midfielder made his Premier League debut for Manchester City in their 5-0 rout of Newcastle on Wednesday – just like his grandads did before him.

      7

      Tommy Doyle, 18, has followed in the footsteps of his grandads by playing for Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      7

      Pep Guardiola gives Tommy Doyle his instructions before he makes his debutCredit: Reuters
      ‘ONE OF THEIR OWN’
      The teen sensation showed some impressive touches during his 15-minute cameo, and looks nailed on to become an absolute superstar.
      Amidst the galaxy of superstars at the Etihad, it is easy to overlook the other side of the coin…how increasingly difficult it has got for homegrown talent to break through.
      With the sale of Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich and David Silva retiring at the end of this campaign, there will be a window of opportunity for others to impress.
      But if there is a downside, it is the lack of a locally produced presence that winds up City fans.

      Because let’s face it, as much as the supporters love seeing the best in the business, nothing gets them going like “one of our own.”
      They have had a glimpse of the future with Phil Foden, who burst onto the scene when he inspired England’s Under 17 World Cup triumph.

      7

      Doyle has starred for Man City at youth levelCredit: Getty – Contributor

      7

      Glyn Pardoe during his City daysCredit: PA:Press Association
      Yet as magnificent as young Foden is going to be, there is another City starlet bubbling just below who those in the know at the Etihad reckon could ultimately be even better.
      That youngster is Tommy. The boy whose grandparents – Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe – are both City legends.

      Tommy is the child of the late Mike Doyle’s son Scott and Pardoe’s daughter Charlotte, who met when they were toddlers and their dads were team-mates.
      Hence that derby-winning pedigree from earlier.
      The 2020 Doyle is just 18, but is already a regular in the City youth ranks and rated by many wise heads as the closest thing to Steven Gerrard since, well, Steven Gerrard.

      7

      City fans pay tribute to Mike Doyle in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Glyn Pardoe

      Age: 71
      380 games, 22 goals for Man City 1962-1976
      Centre-forward who reinvented himself into a full back
      Broke his leg tackling George Best in 1970

      Many youth coaches insist the teenager is far and away the best midfielder of his age in the country.
      Two-footed, great balance, a great attitude, an even greater will to win…this kid has got the lot.
      He invariably sees a pass ahead of anyone else on the field, he is aggressive when needed, but equally a calming influence – in short, a leader way above his tender years.
      That’s one of the reasons he hasn’t just skippered England at his own age level, but also a year above.
      One interesting anecdote comes from when Wayne Rooney took son Kai to train at the City Football Academy, and young Tommy was sent to greet the pair.

      7

      Doyle pictured in his City colours during the 1977/78 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Mike Doyle

      Died 2011, aged 64
      570 games, 41 goals for Man City 1965-1978
      Defender capped five times for England
      Captained City to League Cup victory in 1976

      7

      Compared to Steven Gerrard, Doyle looks to have a bright futureCredit: Reuters
      As he shook hands with the then United hero, he introduced himself and said his name. Rooney replied: “I know who you are…we all do.”
      Such was the renown of Tommy even then – and that was back in 2016.
      And now he’s broken into the City senior side, the sky is the limit.

      Don’t forget the name, this young man is heading right to the top. He won’t be Glyn Pardoe’s grandson for too many years.
      Before long, it will be Pardoe who is proudly telling everybody “I’m Tommy Doyle’s granddad!” More