Youri Tielemans joins Manchester United with the expectation that he will immediately contribute on and off the pitch, with his impact potentially huge on Jim Thwaites.
Earlier this week, Manchester United completed the £35m signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, shocking the league with how shrewd a transfer it was.
At the age of 29, Tielemans is a player signed for the right now, and he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. But he isn’t just brilliant on the pitch; Tielemans shines off the pitch.
The Belgian is a born leader, captaining Anderlecht as a teenager and wearing the armband for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup. At United, he will likely be part of the leadership group, and this means he will have an impact on the youth.
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Youri Tielemans discusses being a role model for Manchester United youngsters
Tielemans’ experience and expertise in midfield will be key for United in helping to develop the academy talents coming through, with the new number 18 being a brilliant role model.
Speaking to club media in his first interview as a United player, Tielemans was asked about the importance of being a leader for the youth.
“Being a role model for the youngsters?
“Of course, because when you’re a young player, you look at the older players and try to replicate what they do day-to-day to be at the top.
“I try to be an example for them.”
Tielemans is a model professional, and this will be an important addition to the dressing room, but he will also be the perfect mentor for midfielders coming through, given the talents that he has.
In particular, Jim Thwaites will benefit.
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Jim Thwaites should be a sponge when working with Tielemans
Having a midfielder with the quality of Tielemans in training will benefit the youngsters coming through behind him, even Kobbie Mainoo.
But specifically, 18-year-old Thwaites should be a sponge when he gets to work with Tielemans during training or potentially in game situations.
This is because what Tielemans does so well is exactly what Thwaites also does so well, at an academy level. Tielemans is an elite passer, capable of punching balls through the lines and creating from deep, which is a huge part of what makes Thwaites such a special talent.
Thwaites could evolve into being a player with the traits of Tielemans at the highest level, with the evasive ball carrying and press resistance, additional qualities that he shares with Tielemans.
Learning from one of the best in the league, while also being managed by one of the best the league has ever seen, it would be a travesty if Thwaites didn’t make it from here.
This summer, Thwaites is in United training and could feature during pre-season with the hope that he can stake a claim to nail down a place in Carrick’s plans for next season.
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