Boy Wonders

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Santos wonderkid Kaio Jorge is following in the footsteps of Neymar and has been been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea

      by

      WILL Kaio Jorge follow in the footsteps of predecessors Pele and Neymar as a Santos legend?Those who follow the game in Brazil believe the forward, 19, has all the ability to match those luminaries.
      Kaio Jorge is the next Brazilian wonderkid, with big things expected of himCredit: AFP
      Jorge is looking to follow in the footsteps of Santos legend RobinhoCredit: Instagram @kaiojorgeramos
      Already Jorge has been labelled the ‘new Ronaldo’ by the Brazilian press, although his numbers don’t quite match that former wonderkid.
      But the precocious teen has still attracted the interest of Europe’s top clubs thanks to his potential.
      Arsenal’s technical director Edu is reportedly a fan, while Chelsea and Inter Milan have also been linked with a move for the youngster.
      With that kind of interest, it would seem Jorge can be Brazil’s next superstar.
      SANTOS YOUTH PRODUCT
      The 6ft forward is a product of Santos’ famed academy that has produced the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Barbosa and Rodrygo in recent years.
      He signed for the club as a 12-year-old in 2012. Three years later, he was remarkably promoted to the U20 side.
      At 16, Jorge made his debut for the first team, coming on as a second-half substitute for Bruno Henrique in a 1–0 home defeat of Atlético Paranaense.
      In doing so, he became the club’s sixth youngest ever player.
      At just 16 Jorge made his debut for the Brazilian clubCredit: AFP
      The press in Brazil see Jorge as the next superstar to rival talents like Neymar and RonaldoCredit: AFP
      A natural goalscorer, Jorge can operate as a No10, on the flanks or as a centre forwardCredit: AFP
      FUTSAL HELPED HONE HIS SKILLS
      Like many Brazil stars, Jorge’s touch and control were learned on the Futsal pitch.
      He first played for Pernambuco-based club Nautico, where he earned a reputation as a goalscorer.
      Jorge then moved to Sporting Recife, before giving up on Futsal in favour of the professional game.
      Santos’ youth side beckoned.

      Jorge honed his impressive skills playing FutsalCredit: Getty
      Blessed with close control and quick feet, Jorge made the transition to the professional game with easeCredit: AFP
      HIS DAD PLAYED TOO
      Football runs in Jorge’s blood.
      His father, Jorge Ramos was a pro and played centre-forward, so no doubt he would’ve learned something from his old man.
      However, Ramos didn’t hit the heights his son already has.
      Spells at Portuguese second division club Chaves, Sport Recife and now fourth division side Gama were as good as it got professionally.
      In recent years, Ramos turned to coaching lower league teams.
      JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES
      A little like Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Jorge can operate through the middle or on the flanks.
      Jorge lifts the Fifa U17 World Cup, as well as the top scorer bootCredit: Instagram @kaiojorgeramos
      Chelsea are one of many clubs watching Jorge closely, as a move to Europe beckonsCredit: Instagram @kaiojorgeramos
      As a youth star he operated as a No10 – proving to have a unique ability to thread a killer pass through the eye of a needle.
      Since he made his debut in 2018, Jorge has played in a variety of roles – from centre forward to winger and even a false nine.

      The latter helped him become a Copa Libertadores hit in the 2019-20 season – the same year he exploded on to the scene with Brazil’s U17 team, winning the U17 World Cup and the Golden Boot.
      Domestically, his fine performances led Santos to runner-up – scoring five goals in the competition aged just 18, and a star was born.
      However, can that star shine in Europe? The top clubs believe so, and it may not be long before Kaio Jorge is seen on a bigger stage.
      18-year-old Brazilian striker Kaio Jorge shows off his ripped body as he stays at home for lockdown More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Anthony Elanga net bullet header for Man Utd as wonderkid, who idolises Thierry Henry, gets first goal

      by

      ANTHONY ELANGA scored his first senior goal for Manchester United with a bullet header against Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season.The Swedish winger, 19, opened his account after just 13 minutes at Molineux with a brilliant headed effort that any target man would be proud of.
      Welcome to the Premier League goalscorer’s club Anthony Elanga 🙌The 19-year-old’s first Man Utd goal is a beauty!Bullet header 💥 pic.twitter.com/Pl79PmZrvA— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 23, 2021

      Anthony Elanga scored his first senior Man Utd goal against WolvesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      The Swedish winger scored a bullet header any target man would be proud ofCredit: Getty
      Elanga only made his Prem debut against Leicester City earlier this month as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turned to the academy because of United’s fixture pile-up.
      The teenage Swede, 19, started on the left wing against the Foxes but was thrust into a more central forward role against Wolves.
      And Elanga paid back Solskjaer’s faith by scoring a great header as United rested senior stars including Bruno Fernandes ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final against Villarreal.
      The youth star impressed for the Under-23s this season before his senior call-up.
      But Elanga’s lack of experience meant he did not even have a Wikipedia page before his breakthrough against Leicester.
      Elanga made his senior debut against LeicesterCredit: AP
      Elanga has 11 goals in 20 games for the Under-23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Yet there was no doubt he would get one soon after, however, with his 11 goals in 20 U23 games and show of faith from Solskjaer proving he has a bright future – even after he missed a month of this season because of a fractured collarbone.
      Along with Amad Diallo, who also started against Wolves, Elanga is the latest talent off the United conveyor belt.
      His dad Joseph Elanga was a professional footballer, who earned 17 caps for Cameroon and was called up to the 1998 World Cup squad.
      Last season, Anthony was handed the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, which has previously been won by first-team Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
      In March, Elanga was rewarded for his rapid progress with a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
      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 award last seasonCredit: Sportsfile
      Elanga flew to Granada for the Europa League quarter-final tie, although he did not playCredit: Getty
      KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
      Anthony’s father Joseph could say he taught him everything he knew.
      But the elder Elanga, now 41, 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.
      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 flourish under Ole Gunnar SolskjaeerCredit: 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 says 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

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri, 18, set for debut against Wolves with Shola Shoretire also to feature

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER could give Manchester United wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri his Premier League debut against Wolves.The 18-year-old is in the squad for the trip to Molineux on Sunday and will be the 15th academy graduate to make their debut under the Norwegian boss if he gets on the pitch.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Hannibal Mejbri, 18, is ready for a place in his Premier League matchday squadCredit: Getty
      Mejbri and Shola Shoretire, 17, have both received honours in United’s end of season awardsCredit: Getty
      The 48-year-old manager confirmed Mejbri and fellow youngster Shola Shoretire will be included in the squad for United’s Premier League finale.
      Speaking to the club’s official website, Solskjaer said: “They’ve had good seasons [in the academy].
      “Both of them. Hannibal and Shola, both of them will be involved. Maybe we can get some minutes in them.
      “We want to go into the [Europa League] final with lots of energy but also confidence, so we will freshen up a few faces on Sunday.
      “We want to enjoy it and give a few minutes to some who might need it before the final.”
      Mejbri, who has been named the club’s U23 player of the season, was signed from Monaco for £9.3million in 2019 and has since been compared United icons David Beckham and Roy Keane.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET 25/1 ON SALAH TO SCORE AGAINST CRYSTAL PALACE
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      The French teenager is yet to play under Solskjaer but has made three appearances in the Papa John’s Trophy this season for the U21s.
      His debut in that competition came against Salford City, the League Two side co-owned by United legends Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Beckham.
      Shoretire, meanwhile, has already made his Premier League debut, coming on as a late substitute in United’s 3-1 home win against Newcastle in February.
      The 17-year-old has made two appearances under Solskjaer this season and is the recipient of the club’s young player of the year award.

      Manager Solskjaer is set to rest several players for the game against Wolves as the Red Devils are already guaranteed to finish second in the table.
      United face Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday, May 26 in Gdansk – just three days after their final Premier League game.
      Captain Harry Maguire is unlikely to feature in Poland due to the ankle injury he suffered against Aston Villa earlier this month.
      GRAD SCHOOLSOLSKJAER’S ACADEMY GRADUATES
      The United boss will have given FIFTEEN academy graduates their debut if Mejbri makes it on to the pitch against Wolves.
      The current debutants are:
      Tahith Chong, vs Reading (FA Cup, 2019)
      James Garner, vs Crystal Palace (Premier League, 2019)
      Mason Greenwood, vs Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League, 2019)
      Brandon Williams, vs Rochdale (League Cup, 2019)
      Di’Shon Bernard, vs Astana (Europa League, 2019)
      Ethan Laird, vs Astana (Europa League, 2019)
      Dylan Levitt, vs Astana (Europa League, 2019)
      D’Mani Mellor, vs Astana (Europa League, 2019)
      Largie Ramazani, vs Astana (Europa League, 2019)
      Ethan Galbraith, vs Astana (Europa League, 2019)
      Teden Mengi, vs LASK (Europa League, 2020)
      Dean Henderson, vs Luton (League Cup, 2020)
      Shola Shoretire, vs Newcastle (Premier League, 2021)

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man United wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri scores sleek goal vs Man City U18s More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Season Tino Livramento is pacy attacking full-back, who has captained England youth team

      by

      MASON Mount, Reece James, Billy Gilmour and now Tino Livramento.All of these exciting young stars are recipients of Chelsea Academy Player of the Year Award, with the latter crowned this year’s winner for some outstanding displays for Chelsea’s U23 team.
      Chelsea youngster Tino Livramento is the club’s latest Academy Player of the YearCredit: Getty

      18-year-old Livramento is a pacy full-back, in the mould of Cafu, who is earning rave reviews from the coaching staff in Cobham.
      A regular in the Andy Myers’ U23 team, the attacking defender has also impressed first team boss Thomas Tuchel, who named the Croydon-born youngster on the bench against Arsenal and Manchester City.
      And it is fully expected that he will push Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James for a starting berth next term.
      BLUE SINCE A BOY
      The South Londoner has been with the Blues since he was just eight years old and has risen steadily through the ranks.
      But it’s during this campaign Livramento has really stood out at right wing-back for the development squad.
      Despite only turning 18 in November, the speedster has appeared 20 times in the Premier League 2.
      His gallops forward have also led to six assists and two goals.
      And he’s certainly competitive, with four yellow cards and one red to his name already.
      Livramento is a pacy full-back with bags of potentialCredit: Getty
      In his 20 Premier League 2 games Livramento has provided six assistsCredit: Getty
      Livramento also knows how to find the net, scoring twice this campaignCredit: Getty
      EARNED A PROMOTION
      Back in January, Livramento was promoted to first team training before an FA Cup tie against Morecambe when Frank Lampard was boss.
      But new manager Thomas Tuchel didn’t want to stand in the way of the exciting talent’s progress.
      The German has continued Lampard’s philosophy of giving kids the experience of mingling with the senior stars.
      In terms of playing time, his game might be best-suited for Tuchel’s 3-4-3 system with a pushed-up high right wing-back.
      This season Livramento has been promoted to first team training and has impressed Thomas TuchelCredit: Getty
      Livramento was included in the matchday squad against ArsenalCredit: Getty
      THE FANS ARE CALLING FOR HIM
      With Chelsea still not mathematically sure of a top-four finish for Champions League football next season, it seems unlikely that Livramento will appear for the Blues in their final game away at Aston Villa.
      But that hasn’t stopped Chelsea’s supporters from begging Tuchel to give him his bow.
      Having been on the bench against both Arsenal and Manchester City, he could find himself involved in the matchday squad.
      And because of his physicality and pace, he certainly won’t look out of place on the pitch.
      CAPTAIN IN THE MAKING?
      Chelsea are famous for grooming future captains at the club – just think John Terry.
      And in Livramento, they could have another leader in the ranks.

      Livramento has captained England’s U17 team and could be a future leader for the BluesCredit: Getty

      The England youth star, who has appeared for the Three Lions at U16 level all the way through to U19, has captained his country.
      Given his meteoric rise, could we see Tino leading his club at Stamford Bridge?
      Don’t best against it.
      Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour discovers he’s in Scotland’s Euro 2020 squad More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Bologna prodigy Wisdom Amey makes historic Serie A debut aged just 15 to become youngest ever in Italian football

      by

      IT was the briefest of cameos, but gave us a look into the future.With time running down, Sinisa Mihajlovic looked towards his Bologna bench as his side trailed Genoa 2-0 at home to offer fans hope for times ahead.
      Wisdom Amey, 15, has become Serie A’s youngest ever debutant against GenoaCredit: EPA
      Wisdom Amey was introduced to proceedings in the 89th minute to make his debut at just 15 years and 274 days.
      The talented centre back is said to be one for the future, so this fleeting appearance was merely just a runout for experience.
      But the defender, who is now Serie A’s youngest ever debutant, showed no fear as he got to grips with the rigours of top flight Italian football.
      And this is just the beginning.
      RECORD BREAKER
      Two weeks before his record breaking Bologna bow, Amey wrote on Instagram, ‘Believe in it, do it, make it real’.
      And he certainly did all of those things when he entered the fray for Takehiro Tomiyasu with a minute plus four minutes of stoppage time.
      Amey, who doesn’t turn 16 until August, surpassed former Roma player Amadeo Amadei from 1937 and former Genoa player Pietro Pellegri, who had equalled the record in 2016 to become youngest ever Serie A player.
      “He responded well, I’m happy with my choice,” Mihajlovic told Sky Sport Italia after the game.
      And he was joined by 16-year-old midfielder Kacper Urbanski, who was also given his chance as the Serbian manager looked towards next season.
      Amey appeared alongside Kacper Urbanski, 16, who also made his Bologna debutCredit: Rex
      Focused Amey showed no fear as he entered the fray in the 89th minuteCredit: Rex
      “Amey and Urbanski entered very well, they weren’t afraid, I’m happy to have thrown them into the fray,” Mihajlovic added.
      COMMANDING PRESENCE
      Immediately, Bologna fans would’ve been struck by his hulking presence.
      Standing at 6ft 1in, Amey is no shrinking violet on the pitch.
      And former Watford coach Luca Vigiani has sung his praises to Mihajlovic – insisting the youngster’s size and athleticism means he is already first team ready.
      Amey has starred this campaign for Bologna’s U17 team under Vigiani.
      “He is a centre-back with considerable physical power,” Vigiani said.
      “He has good technique and concentration. We already consider him an adult.”
      Standing at 6ft 1in tall, Amey is a commanding presence at the backCredit: Alamy
      Amey has been a standout for Bologna’s U17 team this campaign
      Bologna boss Sinisa Mihajlovic, who handed Amey his debut, has been credited for giving AC Milan’s brilliant keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a chanceCredit: Getty
      JOURNEY TO BOLOGNA
      Amey was born in Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza, to a Togolese father and Nigerian mother in 2005.
      His journey to Bologna hasn’t been straight-forward.
      First, he began his youth career with Serie C side Bassano Virtus, before moving to Vicenza in 2018.

      A year later he moved to Bologna, where he is now thriving.
      Famously, Mihajlovic gave a debut to goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma when he was just 16 during his stint at AC Milan in 2015-16, and has been praised for giving youth a chance.
      If Amey impresses as much as Donnarumma has, he’s sure to have a stellar career in Serie A.
      Fans celebrate Inter Milan winning the title Serie A football championship More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City’s Brazilian ace Yan Couto has been called the ‘next Dani Alves’ and has starred on loan at Girona this season

      by

      THERE is a Brazilian legion at Manchester City, and we’re not talking about Ederson, Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus.Fluminense ace Kayky is the latest talent from South America to sign on the dotted line for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      Man City youngster Yan Couto, currently on loan at Girona, is an exciting right-back in the mould of Dani Alves and CafuCredit: Getty
      Brazilian youngster Couto is also an U17 World Cup winnerCredit: Getty
      And he could be joined by exciting Palmeiras wonderkid Gabriel Veron, who has been linked with both Manchester clubs.
      But, somewhat under the radar, was the signing of Yan Couto – easily done when you understand his nickname is ‘The Flash’ in 2020.
      Dubbed the ‘next Dani Alves’ the marauding right-back is typical of Brazil’s defenders of the past in that he loves to gallop forward.
      And the 18-year-old has taken his talents to Spanish second division side Girona this campaign, where he has starred.
      CITY SHELLED OUT
      For the moment, City seem invested in spending money on potential.
      And when scouts alerted them to exciting Couto, who made his debut for Cortiba aged just 17, they had to make a move fast.
      With Barcelona circling, the Premier League giants pulled the trigger on a move worth an initial £5million.
      That figure could double, should he play a certain amount of games for the first team.
      City paid £5m for Couto, a fee that could double if he makes the first teamCredit: Getty
      Couto was talent-spotted at the age of 10 by Brazil club CortibaCredit: Instagram / @yan.couto
      “The clause is to [play] five Champions League or Premier League games in five years,” he told Gazeta Do Povo.
      “I hope I can do it, then the amount doubles. I think it is very possible and Coritiba will get the other part of the fee.”
      HE’S A WINNER
      Despite his tender years, Couto has already tasted success with his country.
      In 2019, he was a key member of Brazil’s victorious U17 World Cup winning side.
      His performances even earned him the nickname ‘The Flash’ and comparisons to past stars Cafu and Dani Alves.
      What stood out most with his game was his blistering pace, offering an attacking threat from the right.
      The defender created more chances than any other player at the U17 World Cup, including an assist for Lazaro’s late winner in the 2-1 victory over Mexico in the final.
      “I’m a modern right-back,” Couto has said of his game.
      A modern full-back, Couto leaves England youth star Harvey Elliot in his wake with his paceCredit: Getty
      In 2019, Couto was one of Brazil’s U17 team’s key components in their World Cup winCredit: Instagram / @yan.couto
      Fans have nicknamed Couto ‘The Flash’ because of his blistering speedCredit: Instagram / @yan.couto
      “As a Brazilian player, I’m skilled technically, quick and consistent defensively. I help the team a lot in defence.
      “My strongest point is the offensive side. I’m an attacking full-back who helps the team to create chances.”
      LOAN STAR
      Couto has spent the current campaign on loan at City’s sister club Girona, who play in the Spanish second tier.
      The move was to help the youngster acclimatise to European football, which was his dream to play in.
      “I always loved watching European football,” Couto said.
      “Because of the time difference, I used to wake up early in the morning so I could watch the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A.
      “It was always a dream to come to play here one day.”
      Couto has been gaining valuable first team experience at City’s sister club Girona in the Spanish second tierCredit: Getty

      Couto could light up the Etihad next season, if he’s given a chanceCredit: Instagram / @yan.couto
      After a slow start, Couto soon forced himself into the first team – and has 18 appearances to his name this term, with three assists.
      And he scored his professional goal in a win over Las Palmas back in March.

      In June, he turns 19 and will be back in Manchester. But Couto is under no illusions that he will able to walk straight into the first team.
      “I think I still have to improve a lot to be able to play for them. Man City is one of the best teams in the world, so I need to reach a high level,” he said.
      “I still need to develop in many areas of my game to be able to play for them one day.”
      Kevin De Bruyne reacts after Man City beat PSG 2-1 in first leg of Champions League semi-final More