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    Man Utd starlet Zidane Iqbal idolised Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong before making debut

    THERE is now more than one Zidane.This week, Manchester United starlet Zidane Iqbal made his debut for the Red Devils.
    A late substitution in the 1-1 draw against Young Boys, the Iraqi U23 international made history by becoming the first ever South Asian footballer to pull on the famous red shirt.
    Zidane Iqbal is the latest youngster that has Man Utd fans purringCredit: Getty
    Talented Iqbal grew up idolising ex-Arsenal star Mesut OzilCredit: Getty
    However, it wasn’t United legends like Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo who inspired Iqbal growing up.
    Ex-Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil was Iqbal’s idol growing up because of his Muslim background.
    PAKISTANI HERITAGE
    Iqbal was asked on Manchester United’s official website who he looked up to as he rose through the ranks at the club.
    “Mesut Ozil, because he’s a Muslim like me. Just seeing another Muslim footballer is a good thing,” he revealed.
    “The journey is different for everyone, and I can tell you it’s not easy. It’s like a rollercoaster, up and down. You just have to enjoy the ride and whatever’s meant to be is meant to be.”
    While the box-to-box midfielder also revealed Barcelona’s Dutch ace Frenkie de Jong is someone he likes to model is own game on.
    The exciting talent was born in Manchester to a Pakistani father and Iraqi mother.
    “I come from such a hard-working family. My parents are always working hard, my brother, my grandparents
    “When we came to this country, they all inspired me to give my best at everything I do.”
    Iqbal made his debut for the Red Devils in the Champions League dead against Young BoysCredit: Getty
    Earlier this year, Iqbal signed his first pro contract with the club he’s been with since nineCredit: Twitter @z10ane
    SALE THROUGH LIFE
    At grassroots level he played for Sale United, until he was plucked by United scouts to join their academy aged just nine – the earliest age legally permitted.
    His former coach Stewart Hamer previously praised Iqbal’s attitude to the Manchester Evening News.
    “He had a great attitude, he was always willing to learn and he played with a big smile on his face,” he said.
    “He was quite happy to do whatever we challenged him to do.
    “Everyone took their part in being a goalkeeper, for example, and he’d take his part in the net just like everyone else.”
    Even at the age of six he was running rings around the opposition, which his coach deemed “unfair”.
    “We had quite a bit of success if you can call it that at that stage, and Zidane was at the heart of that,” Hamer continued.
    “There were times when we would play six-a-side competitions and he would be basically ripping it up.
    Iqbal has risen through the youth ranks at UnitedCredit: Getty
    For the U23 side Iqbal has been a revelationCredit: Getty
    “We would take him off and substitute him because it wasn’t fair to the other side.
    “Or sometimes we’d put him in goal so he wasn’t causing the danger.”
    INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL BECKONS
    Being born in the UK, Iqbal could represent England.
    But, for the moment, it’s Iraq who are profiting from the skilful youngster.
    Back in September, he was called up to their U23 team for the first time.
    A month later, he starred as captain in a 2-2 draw against Lebanon – scoring his first goal.
    According to reports, the Iraq Football Association are desperate for Iqbal to commit his future to the national team.
    Back in August, England manager Gareth Southgate stressed the importance of incorporating more British South Asian players in the game.
    “Sometimes the Asian voice has been lost in the anti-discrimination argument,” Southgate said
    “And when you look at the percentages of the population that we’re talking about, it’s high numbers. Frankly, it’s a big talent pool that we’re missing within football. We don’t have high numbers of English-qualified players playing anyway, clubs in their academies are always searching for talent.
    “It’s like in any business. If you’re only selecting from a smaller section of the population, then what are you missing?
    Iqbal became the first British South Asian to play for Man UtdCredit: Getty
    As a practicing Muslim, Iqbal is hoping to be a role modelCredit: PA
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    “What I’ve noticed with the England team in recent seasons is that dynamic in terms of the supporters coming up to me has changed a lot, far more Asian people, coming up to me, talking about their pride in the team, talking about the diversity of the team
    “That could only be even more powerful if someone from the Asian community was in the team as well, and we had that greater representation across the board.”
    Could Iqbal be the trailblazer to make that break through? Manchester United fans will certainly hope so.
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    Man City starlet James McAtee has been likened to David Silva and slipped through the net of crosstown rivals Man Utd

    MANCHESTER CITY wonderkid James McAtee could be the next teenage star to follow Phil Foden’s path into Pep Guardiola’s first team.The 19-year-old midfielder is earning rave reviews from academy coaches – earning the nickname the ‘Salford Silva’.
    James McAtee is set to follow Phil Foden’s path into Man City’s first teamCredit: Getty
    Back in November, McAtee made his Premier League debut against EvertonCredit: Getty
    His skill set, quick feet, an ability to keep possession, and perfectly executed through balls mirror David Silva, who graced the Etihad for ten years until moving to Real Sociedad in 2020.
    McAtee made his first team debut for the club earlier this campaign, coming on as a sub in the 6-1 demolition of Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup.
    While back in November he appeared in the Premier League against Everton.
    But, if Manchester United hadn’t let him go, he could have been appearing at Old Trafford instead.
    RED DEVILS REGRET
    Across town, there’s some rumblings among the Red Devils’ coaching staff about how McAtee slipped through the cracks.
    When he was 11, the talent played in red alongside his older brother John, who now turns out for Grimsby Town.
    But when Manchester United decided to release John their father – who played rugby league for St Helens – pulled James out of their academy.
    United’s loss was City’s gain, who welcomed him with open arms to their youth set up.
    And he has progressed through the ranks all the way to the EDS side, also known as the U23’s, and the first team.
    In that time, he has also been recognised at international level – playing for both England’s U18 side and U20’s.
    KNOWS WHERE THE NET IS
    This campaign, McAtee’s shown a real knack for scoring goals.
    This season, McAtee has shown a knack for scoring goals for the U23 sideCredit: PA
    McAtee has 16 goals in 17 games this seasonCredit: Getty
    The numbers really speak for themselves. Eleven in 12 in Premier League 2, four in three Uefa Youth League matches and one in two for the EFL Trophy side.
    In some quarters he’s been called the best player at U23 level at the moment, with his form putting him into Guardiola’s first team thoughts.
    Manchester City Elite Development Squad’s manager Brian Barry Murphy is impressed with his work ethic and desire to improve.
    “I’ve seen a real hunger from him to develop his goal scoring, and drifting towards that goal,” he told Goal.
    “He is a very, very talented player and a very creative player.
    “I think it’s very early in his development. He wants to score goals to support the team and work alongside his team-mates, but understanding he has a special set of qualities that will allow him to score goals and create goals.
    “He’s very focused on improving that, which is intriguing me.”
    BUT CITY COULD LOSE HIM
    At the moment there’s plenty of talk of McAtee going out on loan for first team experience in the Championship this January
    While last summer it was reported that Brighton had a bid of £8million turned down for the playmaker, which was denied by City.
    Either way, City will be looking to tie their promising kid to a long-term contract.
    Academy coaches have nicknamed McAtee the ‘Salford Silva’Credit: Getty
    Man City will be desperate to tie McAtee down to a long contract with rival clubs interestedCredit: Alamy
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    Currently, his deal expires in the summer of 2023, and Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona are said to be keeping a watchful eye on developments.
    But, being a boyhood City fan, it is hoped that McAtee will be bide his time, work hard, and wait for his opportunity.
    The ball is well and truly in his court.
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    Barcelona kid Gavi, 17, has been likened to legend Xavi and is now Spain’s youngest ever international

    BARCELONA kid Gavi, 17, has already gone down in the record books.When Luis Enrique named him in his first eleven in the Nations League semi final against Italy, he became Spain’s youngest ever international.
    Barcelona wonderkid Gavi provided a star turn against Bayern Munich as a subCredit: AFP
    Midfielder Gavi has been tipped as the next Xavi at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
    “It was his first game with Spain, but we already knew all about him,” Luis Enrique said after the game.
    “It’s not normal that he plays like that [at 17]. He’s a player with personality, enviable physical conditions and he plays our style of football. He plays like he’s at school or in his garden at home.
    “It’s a pleasure to have a player with that quality and character with us. We can say that he’s the national team’s present, not [just] the future.”
    And he deserved his bow for his country, after emerging on the scene at Camp Nou.
    Barcelona may have been on the receiving end of Champions League thumpings at home to Bayern Munich and away against Benfica, but Gavi is getting a valuable lesson in game time.
    The struggling LaLiga club have seen an opportunity to bleed a youngster that’s going to be integral to their success moving forward, as their fortunes suffer on the pitch.
    In the 59th minute against Bayern, boss Ronald Koeman brought teen wonderkid Gavi, 17, on for stalwart Sergio Busquets.
    15 minutes later, the attacking midfielder tried to burst through the Germans defence before he was expertly stopped by Dayot Upamecano. However, the potential was there to see and the crowd responded every time he touched the ball.
    On Wednesday, Gavi became his country’s youngest ever internationalCredit: Getty
    Perhaps he was lucky to stay on the field after consecutive fouls on Thomas Muller and Dayot Upamecano, but fans were already buoyed by what they had seen.
    Gavi, who has been likened to Spain legend Xavi, is the future of Barça’s and Spain’s midfield.
    ARRIVED FROM BETIS
    Although he already appears to have the Barcelona style of play engrained in his DNA, he didn’t join La Masia until he was 11.
    Originally from Los Palacios y Villafrance, some 18 miles outside of Seville, Gavi’s technical ability made him a standout.
    He played for Real Betis, scoring 96 goals in youth football, and getting scouted by Villarreal, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
    But in 2005, it was Barcelona who convinced the talent his future belonged at the Nou Camp.
    Gavi, playing against Real Madrid as a kid, signed for Barcelona aged 11Credit: Instagram / @pablogavi10
    Gavi played last season in a mask after breaking his jawCredit: Getty
    “He is so technically gifted,” his former La Masia coach Franc Artiga told Goal.
    “He is capable of changing a what he is about to do in tenths of a second, and improvising under any circumstance of the game.
    “It is very difficult to find a player with these abilities, and with this speed of execution.”
    Gavi rose through the ranks and skipped U18 football to go straight into the U19 team last term.
    “Physically, this year he has evolved a lot,” Artiga said.
    “He has made the change and is now a very strong player.
    “This physique complements his technical quality and decision making. He now has the quality to protect the ball. His lower body helps him and has made him more competitive in the youth teams.”
    ‘HYPERCOMPETITIVE’
    As was proven by his over-eagerness in the tackle against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, Gavi’s competitive nature can get the best of him in the pitch.
    “He  is hypercompetitive,” Artiga revealed.
    “He is one of the most competitive players I know. That is something you have to stabilise.
    “He has improved a lot in the control of his emotions. He is always on top of them, while keeping a winning mentality until the last minute. He still, though, has room for improvement in this.”
    Last season, Gavi appeared for the Barcelona B team twice before he was promoted to the first team for this summer’s preseason friendlies.
    It was against VfB Stuttgart in a 3-0 friendly win, where he earned comparisons to ex-Barcelona star Xavi.
    So far, he has already appeared seven times for the Catalans in LaLiga.
    Gavi’s cameo against Bayern Munich had fans on their feetCredit: Rex
    Competitive Gavi does sometimes let his emotions get the better of him on the football pitchCredit: Getty

    But, they do want to ease him in gentle. After all, there is the belief he will be gracing the Nou Camp for years to come.
    Artiga divulged: “He plays and executes on instinct. More experience will help him be able to read the game, and not act so much on instinct.
    “We have to be patient, we have to let him reach certain objectives.
    “If we do things well and have a good environment, we will have Gavi for many years.”
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    Nicky Butt reveals Man Utd’s academy downfall was ‘thinking every young player wanted to come’ before changing up

    NICKY BUTT believes Manchester United’s academy struggles to deal with competition from their rivals.The ex-midfielder, 46, worked within the club’s youth set-up for nine years before leaving Old Trafford in March to seek a new challenge.
    Nicky Butt reckons Man Utd’s academy needs to stay on the ‘front foot’Credit: Reuters
    United are renowned for developing top players, like Mason GreenwoodCredit: Rex
    Butt told The Athletic: “We did fall behind [our rivals], if we’re honest.
    “Ed [Woodward], the board and the owners did realise it and that it needed an influx of money to keep up with the other teams and we got that.
    “United bought some of the top young players in Europe, like Hannibal [Mejbri]. We bought some very good full-backs from Spain.
    “You could see other clubs saying, ‘Man United are back on it.’
    “We got stuck into thinking that every young player wanted to come to Man United and that we didn’t need to work. [But] We did.
    “There are other big clubs close to us who could also challenge for players. It got noticed and it changed.”

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    Man Utd are renowned for attracting England’s best youngsters, including Marcus Rashford, 23, Scott McTominay, 24, and Mason Greenwood, 20.
    Butt famously came through the Old Trafford ranks alongside Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Phil Neville.
    Those six players, known as the Class of ’92, went on to achieve success, winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 1999.
    But Chelsea are now bringing through just as many players as Man Utd – if not more – including Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Mason Mount.
    Butt was part of Man Utd’s famous Class of ’92 youth teamCredit: Getty
    And the Blues have recently let Tino Livramento, Tariq Lamptey and Tammy Abraham leave the club, proving their academy’s success.
    Other youth systems are also delivering, with Manchester City developing Phil Foden, 21, and Liverpool bringing Trent Alexander-Arnold, 22, through.
    And Butt, who is currently looking for his next role in coaching, has warned his former employers not to get complacent again.
    He added: “We have to stay on the front foot and we have to keep buying the best players. You can’t rely on local lads all the time.”
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    Meet Man Utd, Juventus and Man City target Mizak Asante, scorer of a Puskas Award contender, who idolises Kylian Mbappe

    GHANA wonderkid Mizak Asante, 15, became a viral sensation when his stunning solo goal for Golden Kick, a definite Puskas Award contender, caused a stir on social media.But, in truth, the teenage talent is already on the radar of the world’s top clubs.
    15-year-old Mizak Asante has become a viral sensation after scoring a wonder strike for Ghana side Golden Kick
    Brilliant Asante waltzed through the Mobile Phone People defence to score a Puskas Award contender
    Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus are just three of a number of sides keeping tabs on the brilliant forward.
    Before Mizak scored this goal we had already showed his highlights – and those of other players – to clubs abroad,” Golden Kick chairman Joseph Epton told an Accra radio station after his wonder strike.
    “But he was the only player we had feedback about.”
    OVERNIGHT STAR
    While many fans hadn’t seen Asante’s talents first hand, he certainly announced himself around the world with his goal.
    Dancing through the Mobile Phone People defence in the Division Two playoff clash, he waltzed past four defenders before rounding the keeper and scoring.
    The last-gasp goal meant the game went to a penalty shootout, which Golden Kick won securing promotion to the Ghanaian top flight.
    After the match, Asante’s exploits made him a hero. But the confident lad couldn’t see what the fuss was all about.
    “I’ve been scoring these kinds of goals all the time,” he declared.
    HE WASN’T EVEN FIT
    Asante started on the bench and was throw on with minutes remaining to salvage something from the game.
    Instantly, he knew what he had to do.
    Before his exploits made him an overnight star, Asante was already a target for Europe’s leading clubs
    Man Utd, Man City and Juventus are all said to be aware of Asante’s talents
    “I was not all that fit that is why I started from the bench,” he told Asempa FM at full-time.
    “While on the bench, I decided to prove my worth even if I get one minute in the game. I knew I was not fit but I needed one minute to perform miracles.”
    The fleet-footed youngster then revealed his happiness, but insisted it’s something he has done before.
    “I was happy when I scored that goal but it is not the first time scoring such a goal,” Asante added.
    “It has come to the public space because of the tension that was surrounding the game.”
    GHANA U17 RECOGNITION
    Now, there’s a clamour surrounding Asante it won’t be long before he gets an international call-up.
    Ghana U17 coach Karim Zito is already well aware of the prodigies skill set.
    “The player is a good technician and he is able to hold the ball,” Zito told Wamputu Sports.
    “He needs guidance and must be taught how to develop his talent. He is a very good dribbler but he must be guided on when to dribble and when not to dribble
    “When they start training I will recommend him to the Black Starlets coach.”
    POP IDOL
    But for the moment, Asante will keep on watching his idol, French superstar Kylian Mbappe to pick up tips.
    “I watch a lot of players but the one I like very much is Kylian Mbappe,” Asante told JoyNews.
    Asante’s favourite player to learn from is Kylian Mbappe

    Goals like Asante scored in the Ghana Division Two playoff come like second nature to the forward, he claimed

    “I like how direct he is with the ball and his pace as well.
    “It’s Mbappe I really want to play like.”
    If he plays his cards right, he might just end up playing with the PSG hero one day.
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    Emre Tezgel, 16, is the Stoke City wonderkid who has been compared to Harry Kane and won same award as Jude Bellingham

    IN the Potteries, they are getting excited about a teen sensation that’s set for football stardom.Emre Tezgel, who only turned 16 on September 19, is being primed for first team football at Stoke City, although one suspects his best years might be away from the Championship club.
    Emre Tezgel is the teen sensation at Stoke City compared to Harry KaneCredit: Phil Greig

    The exciting forward has already been compared to Harry Kane by the club’s academy director, Gareth Owen.
    Most recently, the England U17 shone on the international stage for his country in the Syrenka Cup.
    Aside from scoring four goals, he was named as Player of the Tournament – following in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham, who achieved the same feat in 2019.
    It might not be long for Stoke fans have a new hero to cheer on.
    KANE COMPARISONS
    Last season, he was given his debut in the U18’s and managed seven goals in 23 games in his first full campaign.
    Although an impressive start, this season Tezgel has flown out of the traps and matched that tally of strikes.
    And he mixed it against the big boys, recently netting an impressive hat-trick against Liverpool.
    His progress has impressed Owen, who compared his pro to England star Kane.
    “He’s a Harry Kane-type centre-forward,” Owen told Stoke-on-Trent Live.
    Tezgel scores goals, holds the ball up well and has been a revelation in Stoke’s U18 sideCredit: Phil Greig
    Tezgel could be getting his hands on plenty of silverware in the years to comeCredit: Barry Smith / Rocester FC
    “That gets bandied about but his movement is good, he can hold the ball up and he is decent in the air. His main attribute, though, is his finishing and that’s what good centre-forwards have.
    “He plays like a seasoned pro, pulling off at an angle, giving little nudges to the centre-back and making space. It’s great to have that bank of knowledge already at his age.”
    A BIGGER STAGE
    It’s not just in the competitive world of U18 Premier League football that Tezgel has excelled in.
    At the beginning of the month, he was part of an England U17 team that competed in the Syrenka Cup.
    He played all three games in the tournament, memorably coming to life against Portugal in the semi-final.
    With the Three Lions losing 1-0, he came off the bench and netted a double to fire England into the final.
    He scored another brace in the final against Netherlands, but couldn’t stop his side losing 3-2.
    However, on a personal level he was awarded Player of the Tournament – the same honour Jude Bellingham received in 2019 for his star turn.
    Bellingham, now, is a full international and regular for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
    FUTURE PLANS
    For the moment, though, it’s goals that are on Tezgel’s mind as he looks to continue on his incredible start at youth level.

    Captain Tezgel receives the Don Hill Memorial Trophy after Stoke City beat Rocester FC 3-2Credit: Barry Smith / Rocester FC

    “Personally speaking, I can say I did a good job (last season) but I’m always looking for more, looking to score more goals next season,” he said.
    “I’ve played in higher age groups all my life but I can say it is especially difficult stepping up to the under-18s. It took me a while to get used to the physical challenge. When your speed alone is not enough as a striker, you have to use your mind in the final third.
    “Next season I want us to finish top of the league and I want to score more goals and push myself for the next age group. I want to play football at the highest level in league and international tournaments.”
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