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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.
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      England U21 call-up Noni Madueke snubbed Man Utd for PSV and is now mentored by Red Devils legend Van Nistelrooy

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      BACK in 2018, Noni Madueke left the UK for the fast-track to senior football, and it’s a gamble that has paid of.
      The 19-year-old winger has been called up to Aidy Boothroyd’s England U21 squad for the first time after starring for PSV Eindhoven this season.

      Noni Madueke signed for PSV in 2018 and has now been picked to play for England’s U21 squad

      Madueke has been in blistering form this season for PSVCredit: Getty

      The former Tottenham youth star has been a revelation in Holland – where he has nine goals in 25 games for the Dutch giants.
      And his form hasn’t gone unnoticed by Boothroyd, who explained his reasons for selecting the young talent.
      He said: “Noni Madueke is having an excellent season at PSV. We’ve been keeping a close eye on him.
      “He’s been scoring goals, making goals and I spoke to (PSV manager) Roger Schmidt at length about him before bringing him into the fold.

      “He’s been in the pathway and we’re really excited to have him. He’s going to be a really good player and we felt this is the right place for him to be.”
      It’s a pathway that could easily have been somewhere else.
      FORMER MAN UTD TARGET
      When Madueke was considering his options, there were plenty of offers on the table.
      Highly thought of by Mauricio Pochettino he could’ve stayed in North London when his contract expired.

      Manchester United and Chelsea were also said to have thrown their hat into the ring to sign the teen wonderkid.

      This term Madueke has scored nine times in all competitions from the wingCredit: Getty

      Teenage sensation Madueke was originally a Spurs youth productCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But brave Madueke decided to chance his arm at PSV in the hope of securing first team football.
      At the beginning of the season in September, the wideman opened his account for his club against FC Emmen in only his second start.
      That followed an impressive performance the week before against Groningen, when he came off the bench to create two goals in a 3-1 win.
      Since that moment, Madueke has seized his opportunity with both hands and made it impossible to be dropped.
      VAN NISTELROOY EFFECT
      A man who has helped Madueke find his shooting boots this term is Red Devils legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.
      Since he arrived at the club, he has been taken under Van Nistelrooy’s wing at PSV Eindhoven.
      Van Nistelrooy started his coaching career at his old club and has struck up a close relationship with Madueke since the youngster arrived from Spurs.

      As a 16 year-old Madueke was reportedly wanted by Manchester United and ChelseaCredit: Instagram @nonzinoo10

      Madueke has been a star for England’s U17sCredit: Getty – Contributor

      PSV youth coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy has taken Madueke under his wingCredit: Getty
      With 150 goals for Manchester United, Van Nistelrooy has plenty of experience to pass on and Madueke is benefiting from it.
      His hero is the legendary striker’s ex-United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and his coach will be passing on how dedicated the Portuguese forward was to becoming the best.
      SKILLED ATTACKER
      A skilfull and creative attacking midfielder, Madueke is physically strong and possesses a magic left-foot.
      He also boasts a powerful shot, scoring goals from distance regularly at youth level and has a calm head – slotting penalties home for fun.
      Aged just 15, Noni played in the UEFA Youth League for Spurs and didn’t look out of place despite being well under the U19 age.

      Madueke is a skilled attacked with a magic left footCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Strong on the ball, Madueke isnt easy to shrug offCredit: Getty

      At the Sonnenland Cup in 2017, he was named player of the tournament, taking centre stage for the North London giants who made the semifinals of the competition.
      At the same age, he also turned out for Spurs’ Under 18s and was captain of their Under 16 side, showing his ability to be a natural leader.
      No doubt, should he get his opportunity to play for the Three Lions in the U21 Euro qualifiers against Slovenia, he will lead from the front.

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      Barcelona wonderkid Ilaix Moriba was JUST two when Lionel Messi won his first LaLiga title, now he’s playing with him

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      IT’LL be the way out of financial ruin for Barcelona – concentrating on promoting talent from their famed La Masia academy.
      Prospects in the past have included Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.

      Ilaix Moriba was just two when Lionel Messi won his first LaLiga title, now he’s playing alongside himCredit: Instagram @ilaixmk

      Moriba grabs a photo opportunity with MessiCredit: Instagram @ilaixmk

      While Ansu Fati has shown in the past year he’s ready to take on Messi’s mantle, should the Argentine legend leave for pastures new.
      But in the last month a new talent has emerged – a powerful 6ft 1in midfielder, aged 18, who is being gradually blooded by Ronald Koeman into the first team set-up.
      In a LaLiga game against Sevilla, Spain U18 international Ilaix Moriba provided a sumptuous assist for Messi in a 2-0 win – and had Barça supporters looking forward to the future.
      Incredibly, even though they’re now team mates – when Messi picked up his first La Liga title in 2005 Moribe was just a two-year-old toddler growing up in Guinea.

      HE DESTROYED REAL MADRID
      It was in 2018, as a 15-year-old, that Barcelona’s best-kept secret began to get talked about.
      In a game against Real Madrid’s U19 side he made a mockery of players who were much more senior than him.
      The star of a 5-0 rout of Barcelona’s biggest rivals, Moriba netted an astonishing hat-trick.
      He scored a stunning goal from the halfway line straight from a kick off, a 25-yard screamer and a half-volley.

      Midfield talent Moriba has broken into Barcelona’s first team in the past monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      £86M RELEASE CLAUSE
      Knowing they have a gem on their hands, Barcelona wasted no time in securing the precious talent on a long-term contract.
      With his contract expiring in 2019, and the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Juventus circling, the Catalans tied Moriba down to a record deal reportedly worth around £1.7million-per-year.
      Barcelona also protected their investment by inserting a staggering buyout clause in his agreement.
      Should anyone want to buy him, they will have to pay a fee of £86million.

      Standing at 6ft 1in Moriba, 18, is a commanding presence on the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moriba is renowned for his brilliant dribbling skillsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      COMPARISONS TO POGBA
      Blessed with skill and physicality, it’s been said Moriba has the assets needed to conquer the English game.
      While he’s also been compared to France World Cup winner, Paul Pogba.
      “He’s physically very strong, but he’s also a very intelligent player,” ex-Barcelona youth coach Denis Silva Puig told Bleacher Report.
      “Most people don’t appreciate this. Here he’s called the ‘Pogba of Barca’ because he’s like a young Pogba, but also he is very, very intelligent—and that is his big potential. He is a top player, no doubt.

      Moriba has been capped at U18 level for SpainCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The future of Barcelona’s midfield looks promising with the addition of the talented MoribaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “He’s a little bit, maybe modern—in the English football kind of sense. It’s good to have him at Barca.
      “The academy can’t be all about the Riqui [Puig]s or the Monchus—small players with a lot of talent.
      “Football trends change every year, every month, but Ilaix is here not because he is tall or strong, but because he is very good in every facet of the game.”

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      Ex-Chelsea kid Bright Arrey-Mbi, 17, signed for Bayern Munich with Musiala, and has already debuted in Champions League

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      IT often takes players time to settle at their new clubs – especially overseas.
      But luckily for Bayern Munich, the two wonderkids they signed from Chelsea in 2019 as 16-year-old’s have hit the ground running.

      Bright Arrey-Mbi, 17, has impressed coaches at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Arrey-Mbi was originally part of Chelsea’s famed academy before moving to Germany in 2019Credit: Instagram @brightakwo5

      Jamal Musiala has exploded onto the scene with the Bavarians – already scoring three times for last season’s Champions League winners and declaring his international allegiance to Germany, after a tug-of-war with England.
      But German-born Bright Arrey-Mbi, who arrived with Musiala, hasn’t gone under the radar – impressing his coaches as he’s risen through the ranks.
      Nicknamed ‘The Beast’, the 17-year-old centre back has already appeared in Bayern’s star-studded first team – playing in a Champions League game against Atletico Madrid.
      And he had established stars of the Bundesliga giants purring when he first arrived at the club.

      SEAL OF APPROVAL
      Last season Bayern flew to Qatar for a mid-season training camp, with Arrey-Mbi in tow.
      He was the youngest player in the group, but you wouldn’t have thought it.
      The 6ft 1in defender, who briefly trained with Norwich City before moving to Chelsea, acquitted himself brilliantly in front of boss Hansi Flick, as well as his new first-team team-mates.

      ‘The Beast’, as Arrey-Mbi, is nicknamed closes down Corentin Tolisso during a first team training sessionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Joshua Kimmich noticed Arrey-Mbi’s calmness on the ball during a training sessionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Arrey-Mbi poses with Robert Lewandowski and the Champions League trophyCredit: Instagram @brightakwo5
      “Bright is already a beast,” German international Joshua Kimmich revealed.

      “You can tell that he uses every muscle on his body. It surprised me in training that he’s not shy at all.
      “He really goes into challenges and has a certain calmness on the ball.”
      While David Alaba added: “His athleticism and his understanding of the game are already very far ahead.”
      IMPRESSIVE START
      Arrey-Mbi was handed his opportunity to train in Doha because of his performances at Under-19 level.
      He led the youth side to the top of the table before the season was cancelled after the coronavirus pandemic.
      In his first 14 starts, Bayern’s U19 team kept six clean sheets, while Arrey-Mbi also proved to be a threat at the other end contributing two goals.

      His athleticism is one of 6ft 1in Arrey-Mbi’s strengthsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Since signing for Bayern Munich, Arrey-Mbi has risen through the ranksCredit: Instagram @brightakwo5
      The youngster also starred in the Uefa Youth League – with Arrey-Mbi ensuring his side kept four clean sheets from their six unbeaten group games.
      Ahead of the 2020-21 season, he was promoted to the reserve squad and invited to train with the first team, where he proved he was ready for his chance.
      DREAM DEBUT
      With Bayern Munich already qualified as group winners, the pressure was off for the trip to Atletico Madrid.
      So Flick rested a lot of his top stars to give the stars of tomorrow their opportunity.
      Arrey-Mbi got a start – playing against Portuguese sensation Joao Felix. And even though the forward scored, Arrey-Mbi impressed as the Germans drew 1-1 in Spain.
      Bayern’s Spanish star Javi Martinez was full of praise for both Arrey-Mbi and Musiala – calling them the future of the club.

      Arrey-Mbi has been capped by Germany at U17 levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Already, Arrey-Mbi has been tipped to be one of the future stars of Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “They were born in 2003 – that’s almost when I started to play in the first division,” he said, via Uefa.com.
      “But Bayern is a club that builds from the bottom with the youth players. The future is bright. When young players train with us, they play very well.
      “They are the future of the club.”

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      Man Utd transfer target Benoit Badiashile is France wonderkid, once reprimanded by Thierry Henry for his bad manners

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      YOU always want to be on the good side of your manager.
      But when French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile, 19, forgot his manners in front of former Monaco boss Thierry Henry, he was quickly reminded.

      French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile was wanted by Man Utd last summer

      But Badiashile once upset Thierry Henry when he forgot to tuck his chair in after a press conference

      It all happened in December 2018 at a press conference ahead of Monaco’s must-win match against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
      Badiashile was sat alongside the Arsenal legend answering reporters’ questions, and when the pair finished they jumped up from their seats to leave the room.
      However, poor Benoit forgot to tuck his chair in and Henry glared at him like a naughty schoolboy until the youngster returned to the table to correct his mistake.
      Since then, Badiashile has risen through the ranks – impressing this campaign under Niko Kovac as Monaco remain in contention for Ligue 1.

      BLOODED BY HENRY
      Despite infuriating his ex-manager, Badiashile was bled into the team by Henry who quickly realised the towering defender’s qualities.

      This season Badiashile has become a key part of Monaco’s defence as they chase the Ligue 1 titleCredit: AFP or licensors
      The 6ft 4in France under-21 international went on to play 26 times in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side as he made his breakthrough in the first team in his debut season.
      And when Henry was fired from the Stade Louis II, experienced manager Leonardo Jardim continued to integrate the prodigy into his side – installing a greater defensive discipline into Badiashile, although his appearances were more limited.
      But this season Badiashile has shone under Kovac.

      BROTHERS IN ARMS
      Born in France, and raised by Congolese parents – Badiashile dreamed of playing professional football.
      But it was his elder goalkeeping brother who made the grade first.

      Henry gave Badiashile his debut for MonacoCredit: AFP or licensors
      Loic Badiashile, 23, is also highly thought of at Monaco – and made his first team debut in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Fenerbache in 2016.
      It ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss, and it seems that bad results on their debuts runs in the Badiashile family.
      When Benoit was thrown into the side against PSG, the Red and Whites were taught a lesson.
      He was helpless as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and former striker Edinson Cavani put Monaco to the sword, with the Uruguayan netting a hat-trick.
      CONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY
      It was a rude awakening for the teen sensation, but it didn’t destroy his confidence and he showed incredible mental strength to shrug that disappointment off.
      That courageous spirit is just one of Badiashile’s many qualities that have caught the eye of Europe’s top club, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
      For his strong frame, his pace and ability to read the game and snuff out danger before it arrives is reminiscent of Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly,
      A powerhouse at the back, he’s tough to get past, but as with most young defenders positionally he can drift away from his man.
      That said, coaches for the French national team believe he’s the next big thing and have high hopes for Badiashile.

      Badiashile is strong, athletic and reads the game wellCredit: Getty – Contributor

      A France under-21 international, Badiashile is expected to become a full internationalCredit: Instagram

      Badiashile could be a big hit in the Premier League if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decides to sign him from FranceCredit: Instagram

      He’s been capped at under-16 level – all the way through to the under-21’s for France – and is expected to become a full international in time.
      Benoit revealed that Manchester United DID bid for him last summer, however he snubbed a £22million move.
      Don’t bet against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returning for him this summer.

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