JJ Gabriel put his name up in lights again for Manchester United as he starred during the 4-1 FA Youth Cup triumph against Oxford United.
As Manchester United strolled into the quarter-finals vs Oxford with a 4-1 thumping on Wednesday night, it was JJ Gabriel who fans were most excited by.
Gabriel scored his 16th goal of the season; however, that wasn’t even the highlight of his all-action performance. Instead, it was how he controlled the game for United.
Alongside his on-the-ball excellence, Gabriel also impressed with his work-rate, which is arguably the best part of his evolution, becoming well-rounded. Now, he’s earned a heap of praise.
Who was Man United’s standout performer in the FA Youth Cup win vs Oxford United?
What did you think of the performnace and who was your man of the match?
Oliver Holt left raving about JJ Gabriel performance for Manchester United
This performance was the latest indicator that Gabriel is going to be a sensational player in his career, which looks increasingly likely to be for United.
To completely dominate in the FA Youth Cup at just 15 years old is almost unheard of, and the hype around Gabriel is now spreading outside of the fanbase.
This has now led to the chief sports writer for the Daily Mail, Oliver Holt, coming to the conclusion that many United fans reached long ago: Gabriel is a massive talent.
“Realise I’m late to this party, but that’s the first time I’ve seen JJ Gabriel play live tonight. The kid’s special”.
Now, having such high-profile journalists and figures adding to the conversation around Gabriel from outside the United fanbase isn’t always going to be a good thing.
However, everything we know about Gabriel leaves no doubt that this kind of thing won’t go to his head, with his ultimate goal not just to be an exciting talent, but he wants to be the best in the world.
Where do you think JJ Gabriel will be by the time he is 18?🔮
He's been playing against 18-year-olds all season, but how good will he be in three years?
JJ Gabriel is a Ballon d’Or-level talent in the making at Manchester United
While he still has a long way to go, it is time Manchester United fans start getting excited about Gabriel.
Eligible to play for the first team next season, it seems likely that pre-season with the senior side awaits him, and at 15, this is a sign of how the club views him.
His ability, mentality, and understanding of the game are unparalleled by his peers at that age and for that reason, shouts over him being ‘generational’ and a ‘Ballon d’Or level talent’ are completely justified.
United have had Gabriel in first-team training, which is a sign that this isn’t fan hype, but the excitement is being driven by the club.
Winning the FA Youth Cup before moving up next season would be the perfect way to crown his academy career, as the club seems set on integrating the teen as soon as possible.
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