Angel Gomes is arguably Manchester United’s brightest prospect.
He is still learning his game in the academy as he looks to build a case for eventual first team involvement.
This week he featured for United’s under-19 side, and coach Nicky Butt had some very interesting comments.
Butt explained how United are experimenting with Gomes’ position. Rather than playing as an attacking midfielder, he is featuring as a deep lying playmaker.
Gomes, 18, starred in this role in United’s 4-1 under-19 win over Juventus in the UEFA Youth League.
Butt explained to the club website: “Angel has got the ability to play pretty much anywhere. He’s a footballer so everyone automatically thinks he’s an attacker but we like him in the pivot role to set up play and get the ball moving.”
Problem solved?
If Gomes can continue to thrive in this position, this could be a fantastic development for United long-term.
Current boss Jose Mourinho persists currently with playing the cumbersome Nemanja Matic as a defensive midfielder.
He is a completely different style to former star Michael Carrick, and last week’s opponent Jorginho, who stars in the role as a deep lying defensive playmaker for Chelsea.
Juventus had Uruguayan star Rodrigo Bentancur shine in a similar role in midweek.
This is the role Gomes is being asked to emulate by Butt, and players like this are hard to find.
If United can develop their own, and Gomes certainly has the talent, he could be worth the wait.
By time he is ready, Mourinho could also be long gone.