Boy Wonders

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal wonderkid Miguel Azeez is set for Europa League debut against Molde and has starred in Adidas ad with Pogba

      by

      THE future at the Emirates Stadium looks bright. A new wave of young talent is trickling into the first team, with the likes of Joe Willock, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson all getting game time in North London. The Europa League has been kind to Arsenal’s youngsters, with many being blooded into […] More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Dortmund sensation Youssoufa Moukoko, 16, makes Bundesliga debut vs Hertha to become youngest German footballer ever

      by

      YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO made his long-awaited debut for Borussia Dortmund – smashing a Bundesliga record.
      The outrageously talented striker came off the bench to replace Erling Haaland in the 85th minute against Hertha Berlin – with the eyes of the footballing world upon him.

      Youssoufa Moukoko makes his long-awaited debut for Borussia Dortmund replacing Erling HaalandCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Moukoko has become the youngest ever German pro footballerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      With his brief cameo, the German wonderkid became the youngest ever German pro footballer – having only turned 16 on November 20.
      His debut in the 5-2 win comes after the Bundesliga changed age eligibility rules to allow players younger than the cut off point of 16 and a half to play.
      And there’s every chance he could break another record, after he was included in Dortmund’s Champions League squad back in October.
      The German side face Club Brugge on Tuesday, and if he appears he will become the Champions League’s youngest ever player.

      Moukoko’s appearance tonight was widely expected, and he’s been tipped for the top since he was 12.
      RULE BREAKER
      Unbelievably, Moukoko is so good the Bundesliga changed their age eligibility rules in order to let him play.
      Previously, players have not been allowed to play in Germany’s top-flight until they are 16-and-a-half.
      But such have been the waves caused by Moukoko’s rapid rise, that this has now been lowered to just 16.

      Furthermore, in anticipation of his German debut the live-wire forward was training with Lucien Favre’s first team.
      The original Dortmund record was set by Nuri Sahin back in 2005, when he made his debut at 16 years, 11 months and one day – before going on to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool.

      Striker Moukoko has scored goals for fun at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moukoko averaged a goal or an assist every 40 minutes during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last year, Moukoko signed a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth around £9mCredit: Nike
      The German teen, who signed a boot deal with Nike for 10-years worth a reported £9million in 2019, has left observers flabbergasted by his incredible ability at such a young age.
      But his progress is nothing new.
      GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
      At the age of just 12, pre-teen Moukoko was playing for Dortmund’s under-17s and Germany’s under-16s.
      He scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 games at under-17 level, before bagging 34 in 20 this season for the under-19s – despite having started the season as a 14-year-old.
      Champions League-winning club legend and youth boss Lars Ricken spoke to German newspaper Bild about Moukoko’s rapid rise.
      “He’s scored a lot of goals, is very inquisitive, hungry for success, hardworking and always comes with a smile that distinguishes him,” he said.
      “That’s what we look at. The tools are there.”

      The Bundesliga lowered the legal age for debutants because of Moukoko’s abilityCredit: Getty – Contributor

      First team striker Erling Haaland welcomes Moukoko to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOW OLD IS HE?
      But such success has been quickly met with doubts about his age, even from inside his own club.
      Dortmund’s Under-23s manager Timo Preus said: “With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed.
      “Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult.
      “There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything.”
      However, Moukoko’s dad Joseph has been forced to insist his son is the age he claims he is – even if he refuses to get caught up in the tidal wave of excitement surrounding the lad.

      Moukoko jostles for the ball with Dortmund’s Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Questions have been asked of Moukoko’s ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Moukoko Sr said: “His age is right.
      “Immediately after he was was born I registered him at the German consulate in Yaounde. We have a German birth certificate.
      “For me he is not a wonderkid. I was even better as a kid.”
      CONVEYOR BELT OF TALENT
      Dortmund have a rich heritage in bleeding first class youngsters from their youth set-up to the first team.
      Impressive Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel in 2016.
      And more recently, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Gio Reyna have made fans sit up and take notice of their ability.

      Moukoko is the next big thing in Germany and has the world at his feetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      14-year-old BVB wonder kid Youssoufa Moukoko’s two goals from Wednesday’s U17 victory…followed by a famous celebration ⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/2ag5LHCTFa
      — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 7, 2019

      The German giants also spent around £30million on Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham, who himself only turned 17 back in June.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of Moukoko last November: “He’s an outstanding talent and we want him to learn how to train and play with adults.”
      Now he has, the future looks exciting for Dortmund fans.

      Perry Groves says ‘hats off’ to Jude Bellingham after 17-year-old seals £23m move to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Dortmund wonderkid Moukoko set for Bundesliga debut, has a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth £9m, and is a goal-machine

      by

      WHERE were you when Youssoufa Moukoko made his debut for Borussia Dortmund?
      That could be the question on every football fans’ lips, if this outrageously talented striker appears for the Bundesliga giants this weekend at Hertha Berlin.

      Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko has turned 16 and could appear for the Bundesliga giants against Hertha Berlin this weekendCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The German wonderkid is now of age to play first team football, after the Bundesliga changed age eligibility rules.
      And there’s every chance he will be included in the first team squad, having already been in Dortmund’s Champions League squad back in October.
      If he does appear, he will be the youngest ever person to play a professional match in Germany.
      Then, if he faces Club Brugge three days later, he will become the Champions League’s youngest ever player.

      RULE BREAKER
      Unbelievably, Moukoko is so good the Bundesliga have changed their age eligibility rules in order to let him play.
      Previously, players have not been allowed to play in Germany’s top-flight until they are 16-and-a-half.
      But such have been the waves caused by Moukoko’s rapid rise, that this has now been lowered to just 16, which he turns on November 20.
      Furthermore, in anticipation of his German debut the live-wire forward has been training with Lucien Favre’s first team.

      The current Dortmund record was set by Nuri Sahin back in 2005, when he made his debut at 16 years, 11 months and one day – before going on to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool.

      Striker Moukoko has scored goals for fun at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moukoko averaged a goal or an assist every 40 minutes during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last year, Moukoko signed a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth around £9mCredit: Nike
      The German teen, who signed a boot deal with Nike for 10-years worth a reported £9million in 2019, has left observers flabbergasted by his incredible ability at such a young age.
      But his progress is nothing new.
      GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
      At the age of just 12, pre-teen Moukoko was playing for Dortmund’s under-17s and Germany’s under-16s.
      He scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 games at under-17 level, before bagging 34 in 20 this season for the under-19s – despite having started the season as a 14-year-old.
      And after the Bundesliga’s new ruling, dubbed the “Moukoko rule”, he could make his first-team bow in the winter – and become Dortmund’s youngster-ever player.
      Champions League-winning club legend and youth boss Lars Ricken spoke to German newspaper Bild about Moukoko’s rapid rise.
      “He’s scored a lot of goals, is very inquisitive, hungry for success, hardworking and always comes with a smile that distinguishes him,” he said.
      “That’s what we look at. The tools are there.”

      The Bundesliga lowered the legal age for debutants because of Moukoko’s abilityCredit: Getty – Contributor

      First team striker Erling Haaland welcomes Moukoko to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOW OLD IS HE?
      But such success has been quickly met with doubts about his age, even from inside his own club.
      Dortmund’s Under-23s manager Timo Preus said: “With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed.
      “Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult.
      “There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything.”
      However, Moukoko’s dad Joseph has been forced to insist his son is the age he claims he is – even if he refuses to get caught up in the tidal wave of excitement surrounding the lad.

      Moukoko jostles for the ball with Dortmund’s Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Questions have been asked of Moukoko’s ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Moukoko Sr said: “His age is right.
      “Immediately after he was was born I registered him at the German consulate in Yaounde. We have a German birth certificate.
      “For me he is not a wonderkid. I was even better as a kid.”
      CONVEYOR BELT OF TALENT
      Dortmund have a rich heritage in bleeding first class youngsters from their youth set-up to the first team.
      Impressive Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel in 2016.
      And more recently, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Gio Reyna have made fans sit up and take notice of their ability.

      Moukoko is the next big thing in Germany and has the world at his feetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      14-year-old BVB wonder kid Youssoufa Moukoko’s two goals from Wednesday’s U17 victory…followed by a famous celebration ⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/2ag5LHCTFa
      — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 7, 2019

      The German giants also spent around £30million on Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham, who himself only turned 17 back in June.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of Moukoko last November: “He’s an outstanding talent and we want him to learn how to train and play with adults.”
      And thanks to the “Moukoko rule”, this November it appears that Zorc can get his wish.

      Perry Groves says ‘hats off’ to Jude Bellingham after 17-year-old seals £23m move to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona wonderkid Alejandro Balde, 17, promoted to first team by Ronald Koeman is ready to push Alba for starting spot

      by

      HE’s ready.
      Barcelona boss and club legend Ronald Koeman knows a good defender when he sees one.

      Highly-rated Alejandro Balde is ready to star for BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Balde has been promoted to Barcelona’s first team by boss Ronald KoemanCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      As an unconventionally attacking centre half, the Dutchman offered as much going forward as he did marshalling his defence.
      And that’s exactly what he sees in exciting left-back Alejandro Balde, 17, who has the Spanish press purring over his ability.
      The promising teenager is as renowned for his marauding runs forward as he is at picking the pockets of forwards that come up against him.
      It’s because of his outstanding ability, Koeman has promoted Balde to his first team.

      GOING BALDE
      One wonderkid’s misfortune is another’s gain.
      This week, Ansu Fati, the potential heir to Lionel Messi’s throne, was ruled out of action for four months after suffering a knee injury against Real Betis in a 5-2 win.
      Rather than seek answers outside the club and draw a list of potential replacements for the January transfer window, Barcelona promoted from within.
      Balde will now get his chance, partly because the Spanish giants are skint after the coronavirus pandemic has left them in financial dire straits.

      But mostly because he’s THAT good.

      Barcelona’s official website describes Balde as “explosive”Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Balde is ready to push Jordi Alba for a first team spot for club and countryCredit: Instagram @abalde11

      A marauding left back, Balde is renowned for being lightning quickCredit: Instagram @abalde11
      Described as “explosive” on Barcelona’s website, he is expected to push Jordi Alba for a first team spot.
      ESPANYOL
      Balde has been tipped as being good enough to already play for a Barcelona side that’s been beleaguered by internal squabbling in the board room and poor form on the pitch, by the media in Spain.
      Until 2011 he was on the books of Barça’s crosstown rivals Espanyol, where he initially blossomed.
      Impressed by what they saw in a game against them, coaches at the Camp Nou lured him to their La Masia academy the age of eight.
      His steady progress has seen Balde work his way up the ranks, even drawing interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea.
      He’s also represented Spain up to Under-18 level.
      THROWN IN AT THE DEEP END
      With Barcelona sitting in eighth place in LaLiga and struggling to find any sort of cohesion in what clearly looks like a transition season for the club, Balde may be set for his first team bow soon.
      After the international break, the Catalans will square off against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, which is always a feisty affair.

      Balde has starred for Spain at youth levelCredit: PA:Press Association

      Balde could be set for a baptism of fire if he makes his debut against Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Desperate for a win, it could be too big a game to blood Balde in from the start.
      However, his fresh legs just before the final whistle might just give the opposition something to think about.
      Especially, if he’s rampaging down the left-hand side with Barcelona holding a lead in the final moments and playing keep ball.

      Watch Messi and his kids play football with HUGE pet dog Hulk as wife Antonela drinks Barcelona star’s special beer More

    • 288 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Chelsea’s next keeper Karlo Ziger who sat next to Willy Caballero on bench for Krasnodar game – and is HALF his age

      by

      CHELSEA fans may have noticed a new face on the bench as Krasnodar were dispatched in the Champions League – Karlo Ziger.
      The goalkeeper, 19, sat alongside Willy Caballero, 39, as the Blues won 4-0 in his first venture into a senior squad.

      Karlo Ziger is making his way through the Chelsea ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The keeper (left) with his team-mates on a stroll in RussiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Little is known about Croatia youth international Ziger’s arrival in England.
      But since making his Under-18s debut in late 2017, he has gently risen up the ranks.
      Described as a hard-working shot-stopper with top reflexes, the keeper was a regular at that level in 2018/19, featuring in Uefa Youth League penalty shootout wins over Dinamo Zagreb and Barcelona.

      Future Blaugrana star Ansu Fati was one of the only players to get the better of Ziger in that run, which ended with a defeat to Porto in the final.

      Midway through that season, he made his senior football debut in a one-game emergency loan spell at Sutton United.
      The FA Trophy clash may have finished 3-0 to Spennymoor but Ziger took home his team’s man of the match award before heading back to Chelsea.
      Last season saw the Zagreb-born player in and out of the Under-23s setup, behind Jamie Cumming, who joined Stevenage on loan in the summer to elevate Ziger yet further.
      Therefore, 2020-21 could be a make or break season for the youngster ahead of his contract expiring in June.

      Chelsea worked hard to bring Ziger over from Croatia and his signing became mired in the Football Leaks scandal surrounding the club last year.
      The leaks alleged that the Premier League club paid £120,000 to the keeper’s family to sign him from NK Zagreb at the age of 12.
      In March 2014, Croatian media reported on the transfer although Chelsea officially state that he joined over three years later.
      It is claimed Karlo’s father, Darko, was registered as a club employee and the family’s accomodation paid for until the starlet turned 16.

      Ziger has enjoyed success in the Uefa Youth League with a pair of penalty shootout triumphsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Croat has spent a number of years in the Blues academyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Furthermore, newspaper Nacional has claimed that the Blues paid over £800,000 for Ziger when agreeing an initial seven-year deal.
      Fifa handed Chelsea a two-window transfer ban for 150 rule breaches involving 69 academy players in February 2019.
      On appeal, the ban and fine handed out to the club were reduced and the exact players linked to the punishment have not been confirmed.
      Now looking to complete his long journey to the Stamford Bridge first-team, Ziger is one of a handful of keepers available to Frank Lampard.

      Edouard Mendy signed from Rennes for £22million in the autumn with Kepa Arrizabalaga his back-up.
      Experienced shot-stopper Willy Caballero is third choice before Ziger.
      And Lampard even handed a squad space to club legend Petr Cech, 38, as a ‘precautionary’ measure having first hired the keeper to be his technical and performance advisor.

      Seven stars who quit Chelsea and became world class including Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah and Tiago More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Axel Tuanzebe, who kept Neymar and Mbappe at bay against PSG, also holds Hungry Hippos world record

      by

      IT was the night Axel Tuanzebe came of age.
      Faced with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, the 22-year-old defender put on his best display in a Manchester United shirt – as the Red Devils shocked PSG to win 2-1 in the Champions League.

      10

      Axel Tuanzebe is now tipped to play a significant role for Man Utd this season after his display against PSGCredit: Getty Images

      10

      Tuanzebe enjoyed a coming of age performance against PSGCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Now, he’s at the age where he can push for a first team spot and has given boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer another option in a defence that has seemed brittle at best this season.
      But Tuanzebe also has a hidden talent, away from his footballing brilliance.
      Incredibly, he holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest time to clear a game of Hungry Hippos.
      HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS
      Just before Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Aston Villa in 2018, he joined his Manchester United team-mates on a preseason tour in Los Angeles.

      There he was asked to take part in a game of Hungry Hippos for fun.
      But somehow, as an individual, 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.

      10

      Kylian Mbappe wasn’t given an inch by TuanzebeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      10

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

      10

      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
      COMING OF AGE PERFORMANCE
      The Congo-born defender, who moved to Rochdale as a child before joining United at the age of eight, found himself frozen out at Old Trafford with the signing of Harry Maguire.
      His last appearance before his defensive masterclass in Paris came back in December 2019, so he could’ve been excused for rustiness.
      However, his top-class display had Solskjaer purring – with pundits including Rio Ferdinand demanding Tuanzebe should be a starter.
      After the PSG game, 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.”

      10

      Axel Tuanzebe signed a three-year contract with the option of an extra year and has impressed boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty – Contributor

      10

      Tuanzebe joined Manchester United as an eight-year-old and rose through the ranks to make his first team debut in January 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
      INJURY HELL
      One of the reasons Tuanzebe was MIA for United was due to a series of niggling injuries that hampered what was supposed to be his breakthrough season with the Premier League giants in the past year.
      And he admitted it certainly affected how he felt emotionally.
      He said: “You’re just looking at the other lads progressing, the games being played, just counting the amount of games you’re missing and getting messages left, right and centre, asking when you’re coming back and stuff.
      “It’s tough in that respect, but I’ve had good people around me who have kept me going, [who] motivate me every day, and I motivate myself to know that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
      “(I’d like to say thanks) especially to the rehab and S and C [strength and conditioning] guys.
      “I’m constantly with them every day, and trying to strengthen any weak parts and do general conditioning, so it’s been really good.”

      10

      Tuanzebe is joined by fellow England stars Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Angel Gomes, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford at UnitedCredit: Instagram @axeltuanzebe_38

      10

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

      10

      With his injury hell behind, Tuanzebe will be pushing for a place in Uniteds first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Often preferring the central defensive role, the England youth international has sometimes been pushed out to right-back while he is capable of playing in the middle of park.
      And he is hungry to prove his worth, telling the club’s TV channel: “Manchester has always been my home so to be amongst the lads again is great, I want to push on and show everyone I’m ready for it.”
      After his display on Tuesday, he looks it.

      PSG 1-2 Man Utd – Rashford the Champions League hero again in Paris More