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      Man Utd wonderkid Shola Shoretire, 17, makes long-awaited debut vs Newcastle after snubbing Barcelona and Juventus moves

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      THE buzz around Shola Shoretire extended far beyond Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United wonderkid, 17, was being courted by the likes of European giants Barcelona and Juventus before he signed his first professional deal with the Red Devils recently.

      Shola Shoretire replaced Marcus Rashford for his debutCredit: PA:Press Association

      Shola Shoretire came on as a sub against NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mason Greenwood warming up with Shola ShoretireCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Shola ShoretireCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was then fast-tracked to the first team and added to the club’s Europa League squad ahead of their tie against Spanish side Real Sociedad.
      He sat on the bench against Sociedad in Europe but his patience prevailed as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought him on against Newcastle in the league, handing the youngest his pro debut.
      Shoretire replaced Marcus Rashford with just a minute to go but got a sense of the big-time at Old Trafford.
      His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has United big-wigs purring that the Nigerian-born star could be the answer to the club’s problems out wide after missing out on Jadon Sancho.

      The skilful attacker’s game has also been compared to African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who graced Premier League pitches with Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s.
      WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
      The diminutive teen, comfortable with both feet, can play out wide and through the middle.
      It’s testament to his ability that United were already confident he has the ability to succeed at the highest level by eyeing him for a deal before he turned 17.
      Shoretire, pronounced Shor-ay-ti-reh, joined Manchester United’s youth set up at the age of nine from Newcastle and has continued to blossom.

      In last season’s FA Youth Cup, he fired United into the semi-final scoring at Old Trafford in the 2-1 defeat of Wigan Athletic.
      Incredibly, earlier that day he was studying for his GCSEs at school.
      “He was at school today, all day! Then he came over to Old Trafford to play,” Under-18 coach Neil Ryan revealed.
      “It’s incredible really. Different day for him compared to other players.”

      First team star Aaron Wan-Bissaka puts Shoretire through his paces ahead of the Europa League tie against Real SociedadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Starlet Shoretire has been added to Man Utds Europa League squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire is one of a number of promising United youngsters coming through the ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Blessed with quick feet, Shoretire has been likened to Jay-Jay OkochaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE HISTORY
      Shoretire appeared at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland at the age of 13 in 2017. And in 2019 he made history.
      Aged just 14 years and 314 days he came on as a sub in United’s 2-1 win over Valencia, and became the  youngest player to appear in the UEFA Youth League – a competition reserved for Under-19 teams.
      “We want to keep them humble, hard-working,” Ryan explained.
      “It’s not just the coaching staff who do that, there are a number of staff throughout the academy, right throughout the place, feeding the same messages. It’s what we pride ourselves on.
      “When you see the professionalism of the likes of Marcus Rashford, he’s the shining example. Scott McTominay, so on. These boys are products of the academy and the staff who work with them. They are our examples.
      “Good players can enjoy the big stage. [Shoretire] is a really exciting player. He’s evolving and developing, can play a number of different positions, he showed a great maturity I thought.”

      In 2019 Shoretire made history as the youngest ever Uefa Youth League playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was born in NigeriaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup against WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NIGERIA OR ENGLAND?
      With the stage set, Shoretire has joined first teamers Rashford and McTominay in training at Carrington ahead of the Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad.
      Should he grasp his opportunity, like fellow youngster Mason Greenwood has, international honours will surely come to.

      But a tug-of-war between Nigeria and England will ensure for which country he represents.
      Although he was born in Africa, Shoretire has been invited to join England’s youth set-up in the past.
      At the age of 17, with the world at its feet, decisions on who he could play for can wait for now. His first step is to conquer United. More

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      Man Utd starlet Shola Shoretire, 17, snubbed Barcelona and Juventus to sign deal and was added to Europa League squad

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      THE buzz around Shola Shoretire extended far beyond Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United wonderkid, 17, was being courted by the likes of European giants Barcelona and Juventus before he signed his first professional deal with the Red Devils recently.

      Shola Shoretire has signed a professional deal with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      First team star Aaron Wan-Bissaka puts Shoretire through his paces ahead of the Europa League tie against Real SociedadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And now, Shoretire has been fast-tracked to the first team and added to the club’s Europa League squad ahead of their tie against Spanish side Real Sociedad.
      His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has Old Trafford big-wigs purring that the Nigerian-born star could be the answer to the club’s problems out wide after missing out on Jadon Sancho.
      The skilful attacker’s game has also been compared to African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who graced Premier League pitches with Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s.
      WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
      The diminutive teen, comfortable with both feet, can play out wide and through the middle.

      It’s testament to his ability that United were already confident he has the ability to succeed at the highest level by eyeing him for a deal before he turned 17.
      Shoretire, pronounced Shor-ay-ti-reh, joined Manchester United’s youth set up at the age of nine from Newcastle and has continued to blossom.
      In last season’s FA Youth Cup, he fired United into the semi-final scoring at Old Trafford in the 2-1 defeat of Wigan Athletic.
      Incredibly, earlier that day he was studying for his GCSEs at school.

      “He was at school today, all day! Then he came over to Old Trafford to play,” Under-18 coach Neil Ryan revealed.
      “It’s incredible really. Different day for him compared to other players.”

      Starlet Shoretire has been added to Man Utds Europa League squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire is one of a number of promising United youngsters coming through the ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Blessed with quick feet, Shoretire has been likened to Jay-Jay OkochaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE HISTORY
      Shoretire appeared at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland at the age of 13 in 2017. And in 2019 he made history.
      Aged just 14 years and 314 days he came on as a sub in United’s 2-1 win over Valencia, and became the  youngest player to appear in the UEFA Youth League – a competition reserved for Under-19 teams.
      “We want to keep them humble, hard-working,” Ryan explained.
      “It’s not just the coaching staff who do that, there are a number of staff throughout the academy, right throughout the place, feeding the same messages. It’s what we pride ourselves on.
      “When you see the professionalism of the likes of Marcus Rashford, he’s the shining example. Scott McTominay, so on. These boys are products of the academy and the staff who work with them. They are our examples.
      “Good players can enjoy the big stage. [Shoretire] is a really exciting player. He’s evolving and developing, can play a number of different positions, he showed a great maturity I thought.”

      In 2019 Shoretire made history as the youngest ever Uefa Youth League playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was born in NigeriaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup against WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NIGERIA OR ENGLAND?
      With the stage set, Shoretire has joined first teamers Rashford and McTominay in training at Carrington ahead of the Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad.
      Should he grasp his opportunity, like fellow youngster Mason Greenwood has, international honours will surely come to.

      But a tug-of-war between Nigeria and England will ensure for which country he represents.
      Although he was born in Africa, Shoretire has been invited to join England’s youth set-up in the past.
      At the age of 17, with the world at its feet, decisions on who he could play for can wait for now. His first step is to conquer United. More

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      Man Utd wonderkid Shola Shoretire, 17, is the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and snubbed Barcelona and Juventus to sign new deal

      by

      THE buzz around Shola Shoretire extended far beyond Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United wonderkid, 17, was being courted by the likes of European giants Barcelona and Juventus before he reportedly signed his first professional deal.

      Shola Shoretire has reportedly signed a professional deal with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      There was talk last year that the promising youngster had already signed a pre-contract to turn professional with the club when he was just 16.
      His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has got some Old Trafford big-wigs purring that the Nigerian-born star could be the answer to the club’s problems out wide after missing out on Jadon Sancho.
      The skilful attacker’s game has also been compared to African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who graced Premier League pitches with Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s.
      WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
      The diminutive teen, comfortable with both feet, can play out wide and through the middle.

      It’s testament to his ability that United are already confident he has the ability to succeed at the highest level by eyeing him for a deal before he turned 17.
      Shoretire joined Manchester United’s youth set up at the age of 10 from Newcastle, and has blossomed since his arrival.
      In last season’s FA Youth Cup, he fired United into the semi-final scoring at Old Trafford in the 2-1 defeat of Wigan Athletic.
      Incredibly, earlier that day he was studying for his GCSEs at school.

      “He was at school today, all day! Then he came over to Old Trafford to play,” Under-18 coach Neil Ryan revealed.
      “It’s incredible really. Different day for him compared to other players.”

      Shoretire is one of a number of promising United youngsters coming through the ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Blessed with quick feet, Shoretire has been likened to Jay-Jay OkochaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE HISTORY
      Shoretire appeared at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland at the age of 13 in 2017. And in 2019 he made history.
      Aged just 14 years and 314 days he came on as a sub in United’s 2-1 win over Valencia, and became the  youngest player to appear in the UEFA Youth League – a competition reserved for Under-19 teams.
      “We want to keep them humble, hard-working,” Ryan explained.
      “It’s not just the coaching staff who do that, there are a number of staff throughout the academy, right throughout the place, feeding the same messages. It’s what we pride ourselves on.
      “When you see the professionalism of the likes of Marcus Rashford, he’s the shining example. Scott McTominay, so on. These boys are products of the academy and the staff who work with them. They are our examples.
      “Good players can enjoy the big stage. [Shoretire] is a really exciting player. He’s evolving and developing, can play a number of different positions, he showed a great maturity I thought.”

      In 2019 Shoretire made history as the youngest ever Uefa Youth League playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was born in NigeriaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup against WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NIGERIA OR ENGLAND?
      With the stage set, Shoretire has a good chance in joining first teamers Rashford and McTominay if he plays his cards right – with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer alerted to his ability.
      And then, surely, international honours could follow.

      Although he was born in Africa, Shoretire has been invited to join England’s youth set-up in the past.
      At the age of 16, with the world at its feet, decisions on who he could represent can wait for now.
      But his first step is to conquer United.

      Man Utd seal deadline-day transfer as young Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri joins from Penarol More

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      Man Utd kid Joe Hugill, 17, is 6ft 2in striker likened to Harry Kane and tipped by Solskjaer to play in the first team

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      MESSI, Salah, Maradona… Joe Hugill is in good company.
      Like those star forwards, the Manchester United wonderkid is blessed with a magical left foot capable of hurting the opposition.

      Joe Hugill scored the winning penalty – with his right foot – against Rochdale in the EFL TrophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It’s one reason why the Red Devils paid Sunderland £300,000 for the 17-year-old in 2020.
      Hugill impressed earlier this season with United’s U21 team in an EFL Trophy win over Rochdale, coming close when he hit the woodwork and scoring the winning penalty (with his right foot) in a shootout after the sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes.
      The 6ft 2in star showed he is a capable target man – as comfortable receiving the ball on the deck as he is leaping for a long ball in the air.
      And boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now revealed Hugill is closer to a first team start than £36million signing Amad Diallo, after dazzling with four goals in a 6-3 win over Liverpool for the U23 side.

      Asked whether Diallo was pushing for his chance, the Norwegian responded: “We’re going to give him the time to settle in.
      “If we go from that game [vs Liverpool], I’d pick Joe Hugill.
      “Four goals by Hugill, he’s a top striker as well, we’re looking forward to seeing his development.”
      Here’s why the Old Trafford hierarchy moved quick to secure Hugill’s services, beating off competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

      A TRUE MACKEM
      Born and bred in Sunderland, Hugill spent his entire youth career at his boyhood club.
      In recent years, the Black Cats have produced an incredible array of talent.
      England goalie Jordan Pickford and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson have risen to the top after coming through the ranks in the North East.
      Josh Maja made waves in the Sunderland first team before he was signed by Bordeaux, where he thrived in France before joining Fulham in the most recent transfer window.

      Hugill was born and bred in Sunderland

      Last summer United paid Sunderland £300,000 for Hugill’s servicesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Sam Greenwood earned rave reviews for Arsenal’s youth sides, after joining the Gunners in 2018 from the EFL League One side, and recently earned a £3million move to Leeds United.
      Like those mentioned, Hugill shone at the ‘Academy of Light’, playing for both the U18s and U23s.
      TECHNICALLY SOUND
      First thing you’ll notice about Hugill’s game is his touch.
      When the ball is played to feet it sticks, and he’s able to bring others into the game with his link-up play.
      But there’s also goals to his game too.
      On his Premier League 2 debut, with Sunderland rock bottom of the table, he scored twice against West Ham in a 4-2 defeat.
      Hugill also scored a hat-trick against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Youth Cup – alerting scouts to his abilities.

      At 6ft 2in Hugill offers a presence in the boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hugill boasts similarities to Harry KaneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hugill impressed in the EFL Trophy win over RochdaleCredit: Rex Features
      Although more slight in build, he has been compared to England hotshot Harry Kane in terms of his style of play.
      He’s not blessed with pace, but he certainly knows where the goal is.
      UNITED’S YOUTH PUSH
      Hugill is seen as one for the future by Nicky Butt, now head of first team development, but was formerly overseeing their youth set-up.

      The graduate of the ‘Class of ’92’ oversaw the arrivals of Tahith Chong, Charlie McCann, France youth stars Aliou Traore and Hannibal Mejbri, Arnau Puigmal, and Largie Ramazani in that role, until Nick Cox took over the reigns last year.
      And with his recommendation, Hugill was added to that list of promising youngsters.
      Perhaps the class of 2020 can be just as impressive as Beckham, the Nevilles, Scholes and Co in years to come.

      Man Utd fans demand Ed Woodward get out of the club after Rio Ferdinand reveals story of his brutal exit More

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      Man Utd star Axel Tuanzebe’s amazing journey, from arriving from Congo aged 4 to captaining Red Devils at every level

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      THE story of how Manchester United star Axel Tuanzebe achieved his dream to play for the Premier League giants is truly inspiring.
      When he was just four, his parents left Congo for the UK in search of a better life for their family.

      Axel Tuanzebe’s remarkable rise is a story of courage and determinationCredit: Rex Features

      They settled in Rochdale, where a young Axel was unable to speak a word of English.
      However, the ambitious youngster was determined to make something of his life and support his family.
      He pushed himself through school, but his dream was to become a professional footballer – ever since he joined United’s Academy at the tender age of eight.
      Last October against PSG in the Champions League, Tuanzebe, now 23, produced a coming-of-age performance and kept Kylian Mbappe at bay.

      He is a man on a mission to succeed at Old Trafford.
      EARLY LIFE
      Tuanzebe was born in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but moved to England when his parents emigrated to the north.
      Football became his passion. Soon he was scouted by Manchester United and joined their youth set-up – just four years after arriving on our shores.
      Despite rising through the ranks at youth level, education was still very important to Tuanzebe, who understood he couldn’t just rely on his football.

      He attended St Cuthbert’s RC High School, where he captained the Year 7 football team to the final of the English National Schools Cup at Stamford Bridge in 2009

      Tuanzebe joined the Manchester United academy aged 8 after arriving from Congo four years earlierCredit: Instagram
      .

      That achievement earned the boy acknowledgement from the Mayor of Rochdale, who honoured him with a Sports Boy of the Year award.
      Tuanzebe was reportedly a model student and when it came to his exams, he passed his GCSE’s with flying colours with A grades.
      But his academic pursuits would take a back seat as his football took centre stage.
      A REAL LEADER
      In 2019, Tuanzebe achieved a remarkable feat.
      When he stepped out for United against Rochdale in a League Cup victory over Rochdale, he was wearing the captain’s armband – ahead of more experienced stars including Paul Pogba, Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard.
      Not only did he become the youngest player to captain the side since Norman Whiteside in 1985, aged 21.
      He also capped off a wonderful run of captaining Manchester United at EVERY single age level he’s played at.

      In 2019 Tuanzebe led his Manchester United team mates out as captain in a League Cup tie against RochdaleCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Incredibly, Tuanzebe has captained Man Utd at every level he has played atCredit: AFP or licensors
      “Axel is a captain in the making, he’s a leader – why not give to young kids,” boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later revealed to TalkSport after the game.
      “We know we can give it to Sergio and we can give it to Paul, that’s no problem and they’ve been captains before.
      “But it was Axel today and how does he handle it? He was absolutely fine, he enjoyed it.
      “It’s just a way of telling him that we trust him.”
      COMING OF AGE
      After breaking into the United first team, making his debut against Wigan in a 4-0 FA Cup victory in 2017, he started his first senior match in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal four months later.
      But with chances limited, Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Aston Villa, where he became a promotion hero in 2019.
      He returned to Old Trafford – expected to push for a first team spot. A series of niggling injuries put pay to a limited run in the team, and he played just ten times in all competitions in 2019-20.

      Tuanzebe was a promotion hero for Dean Smiths Aston VillaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Tuanzebe enjoyed a coming of age performance against PSG and didn’t give Kylian Mbappe an inchCredit: AFP or licensors
      However, it was on the biggest stage where he proved his undeniable quality.
      Faced with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Tuanzebe put on his best display in a Manchester United shirt – as the Red Devils shocked PSG to win 2-1 in a Champions League game.
      After the match, Solskjaer said: “We know that when you go away against a team like this, against players like Neymar and Mbappe, top, top players in the world, we know we have to defend well.
      “We know David De Gea will have to make a few saves. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you’ll have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities – he’s a top defender.
      “First game in, I don’t know, 10 months or something, which is just testament to the quality he has.”
      HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS
      Being a gifted footballer isn’t Tuanzebe’s only claim to fame. After all, he features in the Guinness Book of World Records.
      In 2018 he joined his Manchester United team-mates on a pre-season tour in Los Angeles.
      There he was asked to take part in a game of Hungry Hippos for fun.

      Tuanzebe is not just a upcoming footballing star, but also holds a Guinness World Record in Hungry Hippos gameCredit: Instagram @roshaunwilliams

      The Hungry Hippos game is a favourite pastime for many young children, where players have to swallow as many marbles as possible using their hippoCredit: Amazon
      He finished it in just 17.37 seconds – managing to record a world record at the same time.
      For those who missed out on the famous game as a child, it features four hippos in a circle with a handful of balls in the middle.
      Players each choose a hippo and need to use it to collect as many marbles as possible before they are all taken.
      ENGLAND STAR IN THE MAKING
      Although Tuanzebe is still eligible to play for Congo, it appears likely that he will choose to represent England.
      He began his international career in 2017, starring for the Three Lions U17 side against Mexico.
      That same year, Tuanzebe was a part of the U20 side that won all three matches at the Four Nations tournament.

      Tuanzebe is an England youth international, but could still turn out for the country of his birth, DR CongoCredit: Rex Features

      Now 23, Tuanzebe is ready to push for a place in United’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In 2017, his rapid ascension at international level continued when he was capped by the U21 side against Ukraine.
      Gareth Southgate has been monitoring Tuanzebe closely, and should he get a sustained run in the United side he might just partner his United team mate Harry Maguire at the heart of England’s defence.
      That would be the icing on the cake for his astonishing rise.

      Cavani is deep in conversation with Tuanzebe before Man Utd’s win over PSG as fans joke he leaked inside information More

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      Schalke’s Matthew Hoppe, 19, is first American to score Bundesliga hat-trick and was schooled at Barcelona’s US academy

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      THAT’S one way to announce yourself.
      On January 9, Matthew Hoppe did something no other American had done before him in the Bundesliga.

      Matthew Hoppe, 19, is the first American to score a hat-trick in the BundesligaCredit: Reuters

      Hoppe is congratulated by Arsenal loanee Sead Kolasinac in Schalke’s 4-0 win over Hoffenheim – their first win in nearly a YEARCredit: Reuters

      And that’s counting the likes of forwards Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Eric Wynalda, Landon Donovan and Clint Mathis, who all established themselves in German football.
      Hoppe, just 19, became the first player born in the USA to score a hat-trick in German’s top flight – netting three in Schalke’s 4-0 demolition of Hoffenheim.
      Incredibly, the 6ft 3in target man only made his senior debut a month prior to his record-breaking goalscoring exploits.
      But clearly Hoppe has a bright future ahead of him – one that could’ve been with Barcelona.

      UNIVERSITY? NO THANKS
      In 2019, Schalke gambled on the powerfully built forward by offering him a trial.
      At the time, he was training with Barcelona in Arizona – where the Catalans have a US academy that offers the same level of coaching as at La Masia.
      He had scored 29 goals in 23 games in 2018-19, and was accepted for a place at San Diego University.
      After impressing coaches, Hoppe was offered a youth contract and the youngster decided to turn his back on his education and moved to Germany.

      Schalke signed Hoppe in 2019Credit: Reuters

      USA teen Hoppe learned his skills at Barcelona’s US academy in Arizona

      DREAM START
      Hoppe could not have imagined he would’ve got a chance to shine so soon for Schalke.
      But with the club winless for almost a YEAR and rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga, they really had no other option.
      They had also sacked Vedad Ibisevic in November, Goncalo Paciencia suffered a knee injury and Welsh youngster Rabbi Matondo, 20, failed to find his feet and was loaned to Stoke City.
      Hoppe was thrown in at the deep end – making his debut against Borussia Monchengladbach in a 4-1 defeat in November.
      Then, former Tottenham boss Christian Gross took over the reigns at Schalke (the club’s fourth coach this season) and pinned his faith in the promising talent.
      After three appearances from the bench, Hoppe started the next two under the Swiss manager.
      And he came alive in the second – netting three times in that Hoffenheim demolition, which ended an astonishing run of 30 games without a win.
      [embedded content]

      In only his second start Hoppe was in prolific form for Schalke netting three timesCredit: AFP

      Hoppe himself was left speechless by his own achievementCredit: Reuters

      At the full-time whistle, Hoppe was speechless in the post-match interview.
      “I have no words,” he exclaimed before drawing a huge gulp of breath and exhaling.
      It’s left Schalke fans full of Hoppe for the future.

      Jonjoe Kenny talks about his experiences at German club Schalke More

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      Dario Sarmiento, 17, has been dubbed ‘mini Messi’ in Argentina and Man City want transfer deal completed when he is 18

      by

      ALEJANDRO ‘Alex’ Sabella was known in England for his spells with Sheffield United and Leeds.
      Back home in Argentina he had a special relationship with Estudiantes.

      Estudiantes talent Dario Sarmiento reportedly has an agreement with Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Argentina legend Alejandro Sabella told Sarmiento he had potential to be a big starCredit: AFP

      He played for the club in La Plata, an hour outside Buenos Aires, and he later coached them with great success, winning the South American title and coming close to beating Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the final of the Club World Cup.
      After taking Argentina to the final of Brazil 2014, he kept a connection going with Estudiantes.
      And a few months before his recent untimely death, Sabella sought out a slightly built teenager who was making his first appearances in the Argentine league.
      Sabella got on his knees in front of Dario Sarmiento, and told him that he had the potential to be a big star.

      WANTED BY PEP
      Manchester City would seem to agree.
      They cannot take the player across the Atlantic just yet – Sarmiento does not turn 18 until March.
      But they have been tracking him for a while, and negotiating with Estudiantes since the middle of last year.
      The president of Estudiantes is former midfield star Juan Sebastian Veron.  In a recent chat with the local media, Veron was anxiously looking forward to counting the money.

      “The club will make sure of receiving a very important quantity,” he said, with his vice Martin Gorostegui adding that a general agreement has been reached with City.
      “There is a fixed sum,” he said – reported to be a little less than £10 million – “and other payments depending on a number of items.  If the deal goes through, that’s how it will be.”
      The sums involved are considerable for a player with a handful of first team appearances and no goals.

      A £10m fee has been suggested for 17-year-old SarmientoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      [embedded content]
      But, as Veron said, “what’s happening with Sarmiento is a bet on his future.” Judges such as Alejandro Sabella and Man City’s coaching staff seem convinced that it is a bet worth taking.
      LEFT-FOOTER LIKE MESSI
      The reason for the fuss is that they have seen something that – in terms of style and potential – cannot fail to bring comparisons with Lionel Messi. 
      Sarmiento is a little left footer, so fresh faced and youthful that he looks a little like the kid member of a boy band.
      The ball is tied to his left foot. But, like the teenage Messi, he is much more than a head down, world of his own dribbling specialist.
      He sees what is happening around him, and can look up and stretch the play with intelligent diagonal passes.
      To possess such a skill set at so young an age – to be able to make an impact in the Argentine first division while he was still 16 – these are signs of rare promise.
      But there is, of course, a long and winding road between promise and reality. Sarmiento’s path has already been interrupted by the pandemic.
      LONG ROAD AHEAD
      Football in Argentina shut down between mid March and the end of October.

      Sarmiento has been compared to Lionel MessiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      With bags of potential, Sarmiento is expected to be the next big thing to come out of Argentina Credit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Lionel Messi moved to Barcelona’s La Mesia academy when he was 13
      When it was time to restart, Sarmiento seemed to have gained a few pounds. 
      Having time on his hands may have been difficult. Living up to stratospheric expectations will be harder still.
      Messi, of course, came to Barcelona at the age of 13.
      He went through his entire adolescence in the city, finding his identity as a player and as a person.

      Sarmiento looks set to make the move five years later, between adolescence and adulthood – at a much more delicate time.
      And rather than the stability of growing up in a single city, he will probably be loaned around to gain experience – or possibly to lose his way. 
      Or maybe, hopefully, to prove himself worthy of having Alejandro Sabella at his knees.

      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi collects record 7th Pichichi Award More