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      Man Utd target Eduardo Quaresma, 19, is relative of Zico and talented defender at Sporting Lisbon with £41m price tag

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      YOU’LL never get past ‘Speed Wall’.That’s the nickname Sporting Lisbon fans have given rising star Eduardo Quaresma, who has emerged onto the scene this season.
      Sporting Lisbon have unearthed another gem from their academy in Eduardo QuaresmaCredit: Getty
      Talented centre back Quaresma, 19, has become a mainstay in the Sporting Lisbon first teamCredit: Getty
      Zico is a distant relative of the exciting talent QuaresmaCredit: Getty
      The talented centre back, 19, is a distant relative of Brazil legend Zico.
      And his all-action displays since making his debut in 2020 have alerted a number of Europe’s top clubs to the next top talent to come out of Portugal.
      Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus, Inter and Atletico Madrid have all been linked with moves for Quaresma.
      Last year, AC Milan were unsuccessful with a bid of around £5million plus Uruguay left-back Diego Laxalt for the wonderkid.
      However, now clubs who want him will have to pay much more – since he signed a new contract with Sporting that’s set his release clause at a whopping £41million.
      EARLY STARTER
      Born in Portugal, Quaresma began playing football at the tender age of three with lower league club G.D. Fabril.
      By six, Sporting discovered him and he worked his way through the ranks – with his leadership qualities praised by his coaches.
      At schoolboy level, Quaresma captained both Sporting and Portugal until he was invited to join the first team in 2019.
      Quaresma boasts excellent leadership skills and has captained Portugal at youth levelCredit: Rex
      Quaresma was an early starter playing football by the age of threeCredit: Instagram @eduardo_edu_72
      It was during preseason in the 2019-20 campaign that he really began to turn heads.
      His performances saw him promoted to the U23’s indefinitely, and the 6ft 1in centre back was a regular until the Covid-19-enforced break halted youth football.
      But, senior coaches had seen enough to be convinced Quaresma was ready for a crack at the first team.
      NEW REGIME
      The arrival of coach Ruben Amorim, 36, back in March saw Quaresma’s pathway to the first team mapped out.
      Keen to promote talent from a famed academy that has produced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Quaresma (no relation), several youngsters were handed their opportunity.
      Sporting Lisbon have a rich history of producing talent and Quaresma is next off the conveyor beltCredit: Getty
      Quaresma made his debut in 2020 and has become one of the first names on the team-sheet ever sinceCredit: Getty
      Alongside Nuno Mendes, 18, Joelson Fernandes, 17, and Tiago Tomas, 18, Quaresma was thrust into the first team.
      His debut came back in June in a 2-2 draw away to Vitória S.C.
      Incredibly, from never making a matchday squad, Quaresma soon became a starter six weeks later playing on the right-hand side of a three-man defence.
      ATTRIBUTES
      His biggest attribute, and the clue is in his name, is that he’s blessed with pace.
      Although he stands at 6ft 1in, his slight frame means he lacks a bit of physicality to mark a target man.
      And he’s not just quick in the sprint. Quaresma reads the game beautifully and is able snuff about danger before it happens.
      It would cost clubs £41m to prize Quaresma away from his current contractCredit: Instagram @eduardo_edu_72
      Quaresma has been praised for his distribution from the backCredit: Getty

      As is the norm with most centre backs today, he is also comfortable bringing the ball out from the back,
      Sporting have high hopes that they will be able to keep Quaresma for the long term, but money talks.
      It might be soon that this Lisbon cub grows into a lion elsewhere.
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      Man Utd kid Will Fish is natural leader and commanding centre back included in Solskjaer’s Europa League squad

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      THEY already had Captain Marvel at Manchester United, and in youngster Will Fish they have another potential leader among their ranks.With the Red Devils suffering a selection headache in defence for Thursday’s Europa League second leg, and the suspensions of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, Fish, 18, has been drafted into the squad.
      Will Fish has been drafted into Man Utd’s Europa League squad against GranadaCredit: Getty
      Commanding Fish, 18, has risen through the ranks at UnitedCredit: Getty
      The 6ft 1in defender is a commanding centre back, who will be relatively unknown to most fans.
      But, amongst his peers in the youth sides, he’s the team-mate they all look to – like the stars of the 80s and 90s did with Bryan Robson.
      And he has formed an impressive partnership with fellow youth prospect Teden Mengi at the heart of the defence for the U18’s.
      CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
      Fish has always been a leader from the front.
      Born in Manchester, he’s one of their own and plays for the club with plenty of pride.
      He rose through the ranks to captain United’s U16 team. Incredibly, he also made his debut for the U23’s at the tender age of 16.
      And manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer certainly feels he’s ready for the first team.
      6ft 1in Fish is commanding in the boxCredit: Getty
      While on the ball, Fish offers plenty of composureCredit: Getty
      “He’s a very good talent, a composed centre-back with physical stature. He’s one we believe in,” the United boss revealed.
      “Of course, we’ve lost a few defenders so to have Will on the bench is a good experience for him and he’s there if he’s needed and he’s ready.”
      EXPERIENCE IN THE U23’S
      This campaign, Fish has been a regular in the U23’s.
      He only turned 18 in February, but already has started 17 of the 20 matches in the Premier League 2 matches.
      What’s even more remarkable is he’s worn the captain’s armband on seven of those occasions.
      Fish also completed 90 minutes for United’s U21 team in the 6-0 EFL Trophy win over Salford City.
      Fish is one for the future, according to Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty
      Last year Fish signed his first pro contract with the club
      Local lad Fish was born in Manchester and wears his heart on his sleeve
      He showed plenty of composure during an impressive performance.
      Last year, Fish signed his first pro contract with the club.
      STILL LEARNING
      Although he’s got a steady head on his shoulders, the centre half still has a long way to go before he could become a first team regular at Old Trafford.
      With Mengi on loan at Derby County, Fish has struggled in some games without his defensive partner.
      He provided an assist against Southampton earlier on this season.

      Fish is seen as a natural leader and has captained Man Utd’s U16 and U23 teamsCredit: Getty
      Young Fish is in contention to make his debut against Granada in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty

      But against Brighton he was sent off after just seven minutes, and he is still learning the art of defending.
      That said, given he’s played in every age group above his, it shows he can be relied upon when needed.
      If United’s backline suffers anymore injuries, Solskjaer won’t be afraid to throw Fish in at the deep end.
      Man Utd boss Solskjaer confirms Tuanzebe set to start against Granda More

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      Man Utd kid Anthony Elanga, 18, idolised Arsenal legend Thierry Henry growing up and his dad was Cameroon World Cup star

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      MANCHESTER United’s youngsters have profited from the club’s Europa League campaign by getting valuable minutes and experience on the pitch.And we could see exciting forward Anthony Elanga handed his opportunity next, after he was seen getting on a plane to Granada for the quarter-final tie.
      Anthony Elanga is the latest promising talent coming through the Man Utd ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      18-year-old forward and Swedish youth star Elanga won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last seasonCredit: Sportsfile
      Elanga was spotted on the flight to Granada for the Europa League quarter-final tieCredit: Getty
      The 18-year-old Swedish youth star is the latest talent off the United conveyor belt that could be set for his debut in the competition.
      His dad Joseph 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, previously won by Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
      Elanga was rewarded for his rapid progress with a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
      KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
      Anthony’s father Joseph could say he taught him everything he knew.
      But the elder Elanga, now 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 March Elanga signed a long-term deal with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      Elanga has an eye for goal, scoring six times in 12 games for the U23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Predominantly right-footed, Elanga likes to drift to the left and cut in towards goalCredit: Getty

      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
      This season, he graduated to the U23s, where he has six goals and two assists in 12 Premier League 2 games. But his season was recently disrupted by a broken collarbone.
      HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE
      With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer giving youth a chance, Elanga – who scored two goals in five matches for Sweden’s U17s – has already excited the Norwegian boss in training.
      “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,” Solskjaer 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 his goal of 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 styles 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 some talent here.
      Solskjaer says Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford in doubt for Granada match More

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      Best wonderkids in football, from ‘Next Neymar’ and Man Utd target Gabriel Veron to England hope Jude Bellingham

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      THEY are the stars of tomorrow who will be contesting the Ballon d’Or in years to come.These 11 wonderkids are blessed with incredible talent that should mean they have incredible careers.
      England wonderkid Jude Bellingham has exploded onto the scene at Borussia DortmundCredit: AFP
      From midfield generals to flying wingers and goalscoring phenomenons, the best is yet to come from these boy wonders starring for club and country.
      Let SunSport introduce you to the 12 best teenagers set to dominate on the world stage.
      GABRIEL VERON
      The Palmeiras forward, 18, has already attracted interest from Manchester United, who are desperate to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford.
      Nicknamed ‘Bolt’ by his team-mates, because of his extreme, Veron has been labelled the ‘next Neymar’.
      With the winger having a £53million release clause in his contract, it will take a lot to prise him away from Brazil.
      He already has 10 goals to his name in 35 games for his club in all competitions.
      Gabriel Veron is nicknamed ‘Bolt’ because of his pace and has been called the ‘next Neymar’Credit: Reuters
      EDUARDO CAMAVINGA
      A full international for World Cup holders France, Camavinga, 18, is wanted by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
      The 6ft star is not only accomplished on the ball, he’s tough in the tackle and runs all day – making him the ideal midfield general.
      Currently running things from the centre of the park for Rennes, it is expected Camavinga will move on this summer.
      However, someone will have to stump up over £50million to buy him.
      Midfield star Eduardo Camavinga will cost clubs over £50m to prise him away from RennesCredit: AFP
      PEDRI
      Pedri has been one of the bright sparks of a troubled season for Barcelona.
      The Catalans signed the central midfielder from Las Palmas in 2019 for around £4million.
      Early comparisons to Andres Iniesta are, perhaps, a little premature – but Ronaldo Koeman has placed his faith in the youngster, 18, who has appeared 42 times for the LaLiga giants this season.
      Spain boss Luis Enrique also gave Pedri his first international call-up last month for the World Cup qualifiers, and he played in all three against Greece, Georgia and Kosovo.
      Pedri has been one of the bright sparks of a difficult season at the Camp NouCredit: Getty
      JUDE BELLINGHAM
      When you watch Bellingham play, it’s incredible to think he’s only 17.
      The level of maturity he offers in central midfield, understanding the defensive side of the game as much as he does going forward is simply amazing.
      Since leaving our shores for Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City in a £30million deal, Bellingham has continued to prosper.
      A complete midfielder like Bryan Robson, Bellingham WILL become an England hero in the future.
      Jude Bellingham is a complete midfielder in the mould of Bryan RobsonCredit: Getty
      JAMAL MUSIALA
      One that England and Chelsea might regret losing.
      Musiala recently chose to represent Germany instead of the Three Lions and was signed from Chelsea’s famed youth academy in 2019 by Bayern Munich.
      With the Bundesliga giants Musiala, 18, has already shown incredible footwork out wide, as well as a penchant for scoring brilliant goals.
      Last month, the Bavarians tied him down to his first pro contract after an amazing breakthrough campaign.
      Jamal Musiala was on Chelsea’s books until 2019 when Bayern Munich signed himCredit: Getty
      YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO
      Moukoko is so good, the German FA changed the rules and agreed to drop the minimum age a player can make his debut in the Bundesliga to 16, just so he could appear this season.
      And back in November, the incredible striker made his debut as an 85-minute sub for Erling Haaland – just a day after he turned 16 – and became the youngest player to play in the Bundesliga.
      Then in December, Moukoko broke the record for youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorer when he netted against Hertha Berlin.
      His season, however, has been unfortunately ended due to a foot injury.
      Youssoufa Moukoko celebrates scoring against Hertha Berlin to become youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorerCredit: Getty
      FLORIAN WIRTZ
      The Bayer Leverkusen ace’s emergence softened the blow of losing Kai Havertz to Chelsea.
      A 17-year-old attacking midfielder, he previously was the youngest Bundesliga goalscorer ever until Moukoko came along.
      Originally, he was part of a Cologne team that won the German U17 Championship in 2019, and almost joined Liverpool.
      Wirtz already has five Bundesliga goals to his name… Havertz who?
      17-year-old Florian Wirtz has softened the blow of Bayer Leverkusen losing Kai HavertzCredit: Reuters
      GIO REYNA
      Gio is the son of ex-Sunderland favourite Claudia Reyna, but it’s fair to say he’s nothing like his dad was as a player.
      A dynamic winger, quick and boasting close control, the 18-year-old showed his class on the international stage recently with a goal against Northern Ireland.
      For Borussia Dortmund he’s formed a brilliant partnership with Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.
      And while his form has tailed off a little in recent months, with Reyna admitting fatigue, there’s still plenty more to come from the US star.
      Gio Reyna is another huge talent off the Borussia Dortmund conveyor beltCredit: Getty
      ANSU FATI
      When you’ve been called the ‘heir to Messi’s throne’, that’s some pressure on your young shoulders.
      And in the case 18-year-old Fati, who added to the intrigue surrounding him by becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in 2019, that tag really is justified.
      The young forward had five goals in 10 games before his season was cut short after he tore his meniscus on his left knee in a game against Real Betis in November.
      Already capped four times by Spain, he is widely regarded as the future of Spanish football.
      Ansu Fati has been called the heir to Messi’s throne at Barcelona and the future of Spanish footballCredit: Getty
      RYAN GRAVENBERCH
      The ‘Dutch Patrick Vieira’, Gravenberch is one of the best players Holland has produced in years.
      The 6ft 3in holding midfielder, 18, has starred for Ajax this season, as they look certain to win the Eredivisie and are challenging for the Europa League.
      A stunning goal in the Champions League against Midtjylland brought him to wider attention.
      His style of play would make him a star on our shores.
      The ‘Dutch Patrick Vieira’ Ryan Gravenberch has starred for Ajax this campaignCredit: Getty
      RAYAN CHERKI
      Lyon is a hot-bed for producing talented footballers, just look at Houssem Aouar and Nabil Fekir’s rise.

      And in Cherki, 17, they’ve got a new starlet, who has been tipped to emulate Kylian Mbappe.
      So far, he has three goals this term in 22 games and was interesting Manchester United and Real Madrid before he penned a deal with the French club.
      Incredibly, he was discovered playing football in a car park by a Lyon youth coach.
      Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki was discovered by his club after a coach saw him playing football in a car parkCredit: Getty
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      Liverpool wonderkid Mateusz Musialowski, 17, is mesmerising Polish winger who scored 133 goals at youth level

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      LAST week, 12 academy players got the opportunity to train with Liverpool’s first team in front of Jurgen Klopp.One of those talents was the supremely gifted Polish youth star Mateusz Musialowski, 17, who has been turning heads since arriving on our shores.
      Lightning-quick Mateusz Musialowski, 17, is flying in Liverpool’s youth side since joining last yearCredit: Getty
      A winger who can play across the front three, Musialowski is lightning-quick and has dribbling skills he’s honed by watching countless clips of Lionel Messi running with the ball.
      Both were evidenced with an exceptional goal he recently scored against Newcastle in the U18 Premier League North.
      Newcastle’s defenders were unable to live with Musialowski, as he jinked past four players and hit an unstoppable shot in the corner.
      But he could’ve been turning out for Arsenal’s youth teams, after trialling with the Gunners.
      GUNNERS PIPPED
      Back in August, Liverpool moved fast to secure Musialowski’s signature.
      He had earned a glowing reputation in his homeland, where he starred at UKS SMS Lodz.
      In 88 matches the forward scored a staggering 133 goals, and Europe’s top clubs took note.
      Arsenal were the first British club to declare an interest, and they invited him to Hale End.
      However, their academy coaches were reportedly unsure whether to sign Musialowski, which opened up the door for Liverpool to swoop.
      Liverpool pipped Arsenal to secure Musialowski’s signatureCredit: Getty
      Musialowski arrived in Kirkby back in OctoberCredit: Instagram @mateuszmusialowski
      In Poland Musialowski scored 133 goals in 88 games at youth levelCredit: Instagram @mateuszmusialowski
      FLYING START
      Musialowski hasn’t wasted any time in settling in at Kirkby.
      Already, the flying wideman has seven goals to his name in 16 matches, the pick of the bunch was that mazy run followed by an emphatic finish against the Toon.
      There was an uncanny resemblance to the hero he wants to emulate about that strike.
      “I just ran with the ball,” Musialowski told Liverpool’s official website.
      “When I see the space, I just go for it. I have seen a lot of Lionel Messi goals like that, so I try to be like him and I want to repeat it!”
      Earlier this week, Musialowski followed his wonder goal up with two against Sutton United in a 6-0 rout in the FA Youth Cup.
      Recently, Musialowski scored twice in a FA Youth Cup win over Sutton UnitedCredit: Getty
      INTERNATIONAL BREAK
      With plenty of Liverpool stars away on international duty, some of the Reds promising youngsters have been drafted in to training sessions with the rest of the first team.
      But this isn’t a case of just making up the numbers. There’s a meticulous plan to including Musialowski and eleven others into drills with the likes of Fabinho and Alisson Becker, who reported to the AXA Training Centre after the Brazil World Cup qualifiers were postponed.
      Other first-teamers involved Naby Keita, James Milner, Nat Phillips and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ben Davies, Curtis Jones, Adrian, Rhys Williams and Neco Williams.
      “We use the time to give a proper impulse to our Academy process,” assistant manager Pep Lijnders said.
      “The best clubs in world football have something in common: a one-club mentality. Being split, you have nothing. That’s why it is so important for this club to be together.”
      Lijnders continued: “Everyone knows we believe in bringing and utilising the power of the youth. Jurgen and myself, we care so much about our talent, the inside pathway.
      Musialowski has seven goals this season in 16 youth gamesCredit: Getty
      This week, Musialowski was included in first team training sessionsCredit: Getty

      “It’s a special situation for such a club to create this week, so many talents together with Millie, Fabinho, Ox, Naby and Shaq.
      “Talent needs models, they need examples much more than criticism. It’s great to see when talent and experience come together.
      “The carrot is mightier than the stick, they say. They need to see our high values, our humbleness at the training ground.”
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      Real Madrid wonderkid Sergio Arribas is ‘like Isco’ with magic left foot set to light up the Bernabeu

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      WITH the spending power of Europe’s top clubs hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic, many will be looking at their academies and who to promote.Real Madrid, usually perennial big spenders, will be no different.
      Sergio Arribas could breath life into Real Madrid’s ageing midfieldCredit: Getty
      And, the answer to their playmaker woes – with Lukic Modric’s knees creaking and Eden Hazard still struggling for form – could be Sergio Arribas.
      The 19-year-old has been compared to Isco, who himself has been linked with a move away from Los Blancos.
      Blessed with a magic left-foot, the 5ft 7in central midfielder can operate as a No10 or out wide.
      Last season, Arribas played a key role in Real Madrid’s youth side winning the Uefa Youth League.
      PART OF LA FABRICA
      Madrid-native Arribas joined his boyhood club at the age of 11, after a spell at second division Leganes.
      But it wasn’t until last season that a buzz about his performances began to peak boss Zinedine Zidane’s interest.
      He led the club to a 3-2 win over Benfica in the Uefa Youth League final – a competition akin to the Champions League for U18s.
      18-year-old Arribas is a star of Real Madrid’s youth team and a regular for their reservesCredit: Getty
      Arribas trains regularly with the first teamCredit: Instagram @sergio_arribas10
      In 2019-20 Arribas led the Los Blancos youth team to a Uefa Youth League win
      Arribas finished an incredible campaign with 18 goals and 13 assists in his 34 appearances.
      An introduction to the first team beckoned.
      DEBUT
      Zidane used Arribas in a preseason friendly against Getafe – and he didn’t disappoint by netting a penalty.
      However, it is for Real Madrid’s reserve side where he has appeared most this campaign.
      In 14 appearances for the Spanish third tier side he’s managed three goals and one assist, and impressed with his team play.

      Arribas has been gradually introduced into the first team by Zinedine Zidane
      Midfielder Arribas appeared in Real Madrid’s last-16 Champions League tie against Atalanta in FebruaryCredit: Getty
      And Arribas has had a taste of first team action – mostly from the bench where he’s gathered minutes often as a late sub.
      Back in September, he made his debut against Real Sociedad – coming on for Vinicius Jr in the 91st minute.
      While his Champions League bow came in December, when he was introduced from the bench in a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.
      WICKED LEFT-FOOT
      Those who have worked with Arribas have spoken of his low-centre of gravity and wicked left-foot.
      There have also been comparisons to another Real Madrid star.
      “He is a very precise player, you could tell he was very skilful, with that low centre of gravity that can remind you of the Isco or that type of player,” former coach Dani Poyatos told Fabrica Madrid.
      At 5ft 7in Arribas has a low centre of gravity and is blessed with a wicked left-foot
      Arribas has been compared to first team star Isco by his former coachCredit: Zuma Press

      “And on a football level, being more of a midfielder than a finisher, he showed a precision that attracted a lot of attention, without being the centre forward.
      “He understands second moves, second actions, very well. He is very intuitive, in what action or what second move there will be.”
      Zidane will be hopeful that intuition in front of goal will help his side’s cause in years to come.
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      Man Utd wonderkid Teden Mengi is rapid defender, given new deal at Old Trafford, and has been starring at Derby on loan

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      THERE’S a buzz around Manchester United’s Carrington training ground, and that’s not just because the club look like they’re heading in the right direction.A steady crop of exciting youngsters are beginning to take centre stage under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as the Norwegian promised in his mandate when he first took the job.
      Teden Mengi, 18, is the latest wonderkid tipped for big things at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Since Project Restart Mengi has trained with Man Utd’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And joining a stream of talent that includes the likes of Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams, and Tahith Chong is a centre half quicker than all of them.
      Teden Mengi, 18, found himself training with the senior squad alongside United luminaries Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard, who themselves made the leap from youth to first team last year.
      Better still, he left an impression on Solskjaer by recording the fourth fastest running speed in the whole squad.
      In January, he joined United legend Wayne Rooney at Derby County in a loan deal to gain much-needed game experience, and fans lauded his performance in a 0-0 draw against playoff hopefuls Barnsley.
      And he has been handed a new three-year contract – with a bright future predicted.
      MANCHESTER-BORN
      A late bloomer, Mengi, who has Angolan citizenship, only joined United in 2018.
      But he quickly seized his opportunity in the U16’s, and was promoted to the U18 team – playing 21 times in the 2018-19 season.
      Mengi formed an impressive partnership with Di’Shon Bernard, who made his debut against Astana last season in the Europa League.
      He was rewarded with the captaincy for the U18’s last season and helped his team march to the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup, and has enjoyed run outs with the U23’s.
      Mengi is recognised for his rapid paceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mengi is hoping to follow Brandon Williams, left, into United’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ‘TOOK HIS CHANCE’
      Eager to impress U23 boss Neil Wood, Mengi didn’t put a foot wrong when he was handed his opportunity to play at a higher level.
      Wood is adamant he can follow recent graduate, and fellow defender, Williams into the first team.
      “He came up to us quite early on in the season and, a bit like Brandon [Williams] in a sense, he came from the Under-18s and took his chance,” Wood told MEN.
      “He played really well and he kept his place in the team.
      “And when he dropped back down at the end of the (last) season to lead the Youth Cup team, he put in some excellent performances there.
      “We’ll be looking to work with him next season and he’s one we want to ‘do a Brandon’ with, push him on and the goal is to try and get him pushed up into that first team if we can.”
      A leader among boys, Mengi led Man Utd’s U18’s to the FA Youth Cup semi final as captainCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mengi’s ability has been praised by U23 boss Neil WoodCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      GREASE LIGHTNING
      United are rumoured to be after a new centre-back this summer with Kalidou Koulibaly, Valladolid star Mohammed Salisu linked and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
      But they could do far wrong by promoting from within and giving Mengi his chance, given budgets will be slashed with the coronavirus pandemic affecting the club’s finances.
      And they would have a quicker centre half in their ranks than first team stars Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
      In measurements taken of the squad’s individual workouts during football’s shutdown, Mengi is said to have clocked the fourth-fastest running speed at the entire club.
      Only Jesse Lingard, Axel Tuanzebe and first-placed Daniel James reportedly recorded a quicker pace than the teenager.
      Mengi clocked the fourth-fastest running speed at the entire club in a speed testCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Derby County currently have a loan deal with United for Mengi till the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Next season, United fans could see the best of Mengi at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mengi has appeared once for United – coming on as an 84th-minute substitute for Timothy Fosu-Mensah in a UEFA Europa League match against LASK.
      His attributes include his composure on the ball, a skill that every modern defender needs, as well as his strength.
      While he won’t be putting on a United jersey again this season, we’ll certainly see more of him next campaign.
      Man Utd want Sevilla defender and France U21 star Jules Kounde More