Manchester United are excited by the potential of JJ Gabriel, and the youngster himself has tall aims for his future.
It has been a rapid ascent for JJ Gabriel at Man Utd, playing for the U18s at 14, then becoming the top-scorer at 15, and winning the club’s U18s Player of the Year in his full debut season.
So far, he has lived up to the hype, even though it goes without saying that the road has just begun.
He has now revealed what he’s learned from first-team training, opening up on his dream debut.
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 on Man Utd training and dream debut
It’s a safe bet to assume that Gabriel will make his first-team debut next season. It’s a matter of when, and not if, he breaks records for the club.
He has already been called up to train with the first team on multiple occasions under multiple managers, impressing each one.
Not just the managers, Gabriel even had the likes of Bryan Mbeumo in awe at how comfortable he made everything look.
Gabriel has now opened up on those first-team training sessions in an interview with Pro Direct Soccer, saying that the biggest learning from those sessions is the amount of hard work that’s required to make it.
He said that “you’ve just got to work hard” to succeed at Man Utd, adding that his dream debut will be, “Coming off the bench and scoring to secure the game.”
In addition, he set a tall ambition for himself, saying that he wants to win the Ballon d’Or someday to follow in his idol’s steps, who is Lionel Messi.
Man Utd need to strike a balance with Gabriel
It’s clear from Gabriel’s responses that he’s got a good head on his shoulders despite being so young, but he also knows he’s valued and highly rated.
Bryan Mbeumo has been blown away by JJ Gabriel…
But how excited are you by the youngster's breakthrough at Manchester United? What are your expectations?
United need to strike a balance where they need to ensure he keeps feeling challenged, without ever thinking he’s bigger than the club.
In Michael Carrick, Man Utd have a manager who perfectly understands the ethos of the club, and Darren Fletcher is giving them a good education from the U18s level itself.
The coaches are on his case, the player himself is taking his career very seriously, and the club is renowned for empowering young players.
Gabriel’s ambition for himself might not be too unrealistic, and United will be better off for it.
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