Boy Wonders

TEENAGER Kaide Gordon is showing Liverpool fans why the club committed £3million on him.The exciting youngster made his debut for the Reds in the EFL Cup, playing 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Kaide Gordon wowed Liverpool fans with his performance against NorwichCredit: Getty
Teenager Gordon thanked Klopp for giving him an opportunity in the EFL Cup gameCredit: AFP
Gordon, who turns 17 next month, became the fifth youngest player in Liverpool’s history.
After the game, his manager Jurgen Klopp hailed the talented teen at the final whistle.
He said: “He’s good. A lot of things to improve, a lot of things to settle, a lot of things to learn but there’s a lot of things already there.
“We are really happy to have him around and we will treat him carefully, let me say it like this.
“But I am really happy that he is here, he is a big talent.”
And the German boss even let slip how modest Gordon thanked him for a chance at the end of the match.
Klopp revealed: “The first thing Kaide said to me after the game, when I wanted to say ‘congratulations’, he said to me, ‘Thank you!’
“I said, ‘Nothing to thank me for, you deserved it.’”
STARTED AT DERBY
Before Gordon could realise his Anfield dream, he was a eight-year-old at Derby excelling for their boys’ teams.
Blessed with skill and pace beyond his years, he was propelled through the ranks.
By 14, he was playing for The Rams’ U16 side.
Gordon, front row, second from the left, with Derby County’s academy team
Last season Gordon appeared in the Derby County first teamCredit: PA
Two years later, coaches behind the scenes were calling him ‘the best 16-year-old in the country’.
In 2020, after starring with the U18s, he was awarded the club’s academy player of the season.
“Kaide was the most exciting and creative player throughout the year and has shown a real improvement both in and out of possession, but we believe there is more to come too,” academy director Darren Wassall said.
ROONEY IMPRESSED
Derby’s best kept secret wasn’t a secret anymore, as he made his senior debut for County against Birmingham City as a sub in a 4-0 win.
It was a testament to his attitude, as well as his ability, that he was given his opportunity by his former boss Wayne Rooney, albeit a brief three-minute cameo in the final moments at St Andrew’s.
“I brought Kaide up with the first-team initially to train with us for a week to see how he reacted to it, and he was one of the best trainers,” Rooney revealed after he handed Gordon his bow.
“I kept him with us for a couple of weeks and he’s been training at the same level, if not to a better level to a lot of the other first-team players.
“As I said to the players: if you train hard and train well, I will give you your chance.”
Then, Liverpool began to circle around the impressive kid.
Derby boss Wayne Rooney handed Gordon his debut and was amazed at his potentialCredit: PA
Gordon played for three minutes against Birmingham in a brief cameoCredit: Rex
“Kaide is a fantastic player and he has got a lot of potential,” Rooney responded to reports linking Gordon with a move away from the club.
“Of course there will be interest in Kaide because he is a fantastic player, so we expect there to be interest in him.”
LIVERPOOL MOVE
In February, the Reds made their move for Gordon, beating Manchester United to a deal that could be worth £3million with add-ons.
Already, he has blossomed at Melwood and was recommended to Klopp by Liverpool’s assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders as a potential starter against Norwich.
Lijnders said: “He is what you see a lot with these kind of wingers – they can outplay, they can combine – but he has a goal in him.
“And he has this natural ability to be in the box between the goalposts to score, even when the cross comes from the opposite side, for example. Not many talents have that.”
In February, Gordon moved to Anfield for a deal that could be worth £3millionCredit: Getty
Gordon played the full 90 minutes against Norwich and impressed fansCredit: Getty

While training with the first team, Gordon has also been taken under the wing of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Lijnders added: “He is a typical Liverpool Football Club winger, in my opinion, because he has goals, he has speed. We really like him and we are really happy he is with us.”
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IT’S not all doom and gloom at Barcelona.The Catalans may have fallen from grace after financial issues robbed them of Lionel Messi, and were on the receiving end of a Champions League thumping at home to Bayern Munich in their opening group game.
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
But, with one eye on the future, the match gave the struggling LaLiga club an opportunity to bleed a youngster that’s going to be integral to their success moving forward.
In the 59th minute, 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.
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 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 only appeared once in LaLiga – playing in the 2-1 win over Getafe replacing Sergi Roberto in the 73rd minute this season.
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’re easing 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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TEENAGE sensations will have to be Barcelona’s bread and butter moving forward.The cash-strapped Catalans are having to rely on youngsters as boss Ronald Koeman attempts to rebuild the club’s reputation, after a poor season domestically and in Europe.
Yusuf Demir, 18, became the youngest foreign debutant since Lionel Messi when he appeared against Athletic Bilbao over the weekendCredit: Getty
Demir, pictured with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, has joined the Catalans on an initial loan deal
Pedri, 18, has already shown what a talent he is – as one of Barça’s standouts in another dismal campaign, as well as a star-turn at the Euros for Spain.
But on the other wing, it’s Yusuf Demir who could join the little playmaker in terrorising LaLiga defences.
The Austrian born wideman, 18, made his debut for the fallen giants in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao over the weekend.
His teasing appearance at such a tender age saw Demir become the youngest foreigner to play for the club since Lionel Messi in 2004.
It’s no surprise than he’s already drawing comparisons to the legendary Argentinian.
LOAN TO BUY
Effectively, Demir is currently on loan to Barcelona from Rapid Vienna in a deal that includes a £9million option to buy next summer.
But Koeman had no worries about throwing the talent into the deep end at the fiery San Mames stadium with the scores level.
“Demir has had a hard time in the big San Mames stadium because he’s still very young,” the Dutch coach said after the game.
“But it is very good for him to have made his debut here to begin to adapt to football of this level.”
Demir has revealed it’s an honour to play for BarcelonaCredit: Rex
Demir, himself, was equally as buzzing about making his bow.
“It’s an honour for me to play for this beautiful club,” he told Barça TV.
“It feels like a kid’s dream come true. I worked really hard to reach this stage and I’m really happy to make my debut”.
ESTABLISHED IN AUSTRIA
Demir was born in Vienna to Turkish parents.
He was signed by Rapid in 2013 aged just 10, before making his debut as a 17-year-old in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Soon, his ability had attracted a host of scouts from clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Red Bull Salzburg and Inter Milan.
But, he only had eyes for the Blaugrana when Rapid revealed they were willing to cash in on their prized asset.
“I only want to play for Barcelona,” he reportedly told his bosses, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Some 31 games and six goals later, he was loaned to Barca, who couldn’t afford the transfer fee to buy him this year.
Last season, Demir played for Rapid Vienna in the Europa LeagueCredit: PA
Brilliant teen Demir scored six times in 31 games for Rapid Vienna, after making his debut at 17
BLISTERING START
It is expected that Demir will play most of his football with Barcelona’s B team in the Segunda Division.
However, after impressing Koeman over pre-season he might’ve forced his way into the ex-Everton manager’s first team plans.
The confident kid first dazzled fans in a game against Gimnastic in July. He then went on to play a part in four more friendlies.
It’s astonishing that within a month of his arrival he had already impressed Koeman enough to be handed a chance.
Demir has been used as a midfielder, winger on the left and right, as well as a forward.
His versatility could be key to his success at the Nou Camp.
Demir’s versatility makes him a genuine possibility for a first team spot under Ronald KoemanCredit: Rex
If he’s a success, Barcelona have the option of signing him for £9millionCredit: Getty

And he’s proving himself to be popular amongst his peers already. He was one of the few players invited to Messi’s farewell dinner at his home, before his PSG departure.
While his cheeky and irreverent personality has already endeared him to team-mates.
A few impressive performances for Barcelona, and he will prove just as much a hit with the fans too.
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FORGET Eduardo Camavinga, it’s Pape Matar Sarr who is the most sought after teen in French football right now.The 18-year-old Metz star, who can play anywhere across the midfield, has plenty of suitors.
Pape Matar Sarr, 18, is wanted by Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: AFP
Midfield powerhouse Sarr has exploded on to the scene in French footballCredit: AFP
Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with the £40million-rated youngster.
Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are also all hot on the trail of the generational talent after he broke through at the Ligue 1 club during the last campaign.
Back in March, Sarr made his international debut for Senegal as he continued his rapid rise.
Like Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, he began his football career in the Generation Foot academy – an African football club who has also produced Watford’s Ismaila Sarr and former West Ham striker Diafra Sakho.
EXPLOSIVE START
In September 2020 Metz brought in Sarr from Generation Foot on a five-year deal.
While it wasn’t a headline signing, the Ligue 1 club had hopes high hopes for him.
Initially, he was sent to play for Metz’s reserves in the Championnat National 2.
But after just one game in which he stood out head and shoulders above the rest, he was promoted to the first team.
However, with the coronavirus halting the footballing landscape, Sarr had to wait for his first team opportunity.
Sarr began his football career in SenegalCredit: Instagram
Like Sadio Mane, Sarr trained with the Generation Foot AcademyCredit: AFP – Getty
At just 18 Sarr has established himself in the Metz first teamCredit: Getty
Back in November, he made his debut against Brest. Just a few months later, he scored his first in the reverse fixture in a 4-2 win.
He has since established himself as a first team regular – appearing 25 times already for the club, despite his tender years.

PLENTY OF ATTRIBUTES
Physically, he was certainly ready for his chance.
At around 6ft tall, he cuts a gangly figure. But Sarr is tough in the tackle and excels in aerial duels.
Used primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, he possesses a good shot.
For a young player, his concentration levels are also excellent which means he understands his defensive duties too.
Going forward he can score goals and had four to his name last season.
Metz academy manager Olivier Perrin was responsible in bringing Sarr to the club, after seeing him progress at Generation Foot, where the French coach managed for five years until 2018.
Perrin told Senego: “I immediately said to myself that he was a top player, with a very high-level (with regards to) reading and analysing the game. He is (like) Miralem Pjanic.
French coach Olivier Perrin saw Sarr’s potential at Generation Football during his time thereCredit: AFP – Getty
Sarr has been used a box-to-box midfielder by Metz, but could play anywhere across the midfieldCredit: Getty
“He can play in a system with two number 10’s, he can be middle and box-to-box, he can be 10, 6, it depends on the coaches.”
ROOTS IN AFRICA
Sarr has come a long way since his debut in Senegal’s top flight at the tender age of just 15.
With Generation Foot, who are a feeder club for Metz, he established himself as one of his country’s most promising players.
Six U17 caps and three goals followed, before it was clear he was ready for a bigger stage.
Soon after, he broke into the Metz side his country came calling.
Sarr made his Senegal debut in an AFCON 2021 qualifier against Congo back in March, and is now a regular international.
Back in March, Sarr made his international debut for SenegalCredit: Instagram
Combative Sarr would be a hit in the Premier League due to his playing styleCredit: AFP

Everything he has done so far in his career, he has done fast. And his current coach Frédéric Antonetti is full of praise for his starlet.
“Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play,” he said.
And if he decides to make others play on our shores, then we’d be very lucky to have him.
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