Boy Wonder Gomes Can Push On

At Manchester United, the aim is never to over-hype youngsters as we all know the pitfalls of describing teen talents as the 'next big thing'.

Nothing is assured and can be taken for granted but, when clapping eyes on Adilson Angel Abreu de Almeida Gomes in the Manchester United Premier Cup in 2015, it was clear he was something special.

After an early-hours shift helping to cover the first team's Tour match with San Jose Earthquakes, I made the short trip to the University of Manchester Campus on the way home to take in some of the tournament, a commitment I had made since joining the club.

I knew Gomes had made an appearance a year earlier in the Under-15 event, as a 13-year-old, but I remember him seeming tiny at the time. By 2015, he was captain of the team and pulling the strings, sparkling in the Manchester drizzle.

Although well versed in the forward's potential, he was a joy to behold in the flesh and pinged sweeping passes out to the flanks when I would not have been able to kick it that far when his size. I recall he scored a cheeky penalty, demonstrating his composure, and displayed a confidence and comfort in possession that marked him out as a unique talent.

Driving away, I was struck how his style reminded me of somebody and finally decided it was Ronaldinho so it has been interesting to hear the Brazilian is one of his idols. Any comparisons with the World Cup winner would have been outlandish at that stage, of course, and still are now - even though Gomes has become the youngest player in Premier League history.

It was reassuring to hear later in the week that he was voted the tournament's Most Valuable Player, despite United only finishing in 12th place overall. Clearly, and predictably, I was not alone in spotting his obvious potential even if it was far too early to start adding to any unwelcome hype and expectation.

Yet there was one aspect to his game that I also admired which has, to my knowledge, still to be mentioned despite his first-team bow. There were times during one Premier Cup game when he was making a real effort to encourage an even younger colleague, Mason Greenwood, who was tasked with a difficult job of playing in attack. Unfairly, I had possibly expected Gomes to be constantly demanding possession and concentrating on his own efforts considering his individuality and status but he appeared supportive and a real team player.

Perhaps that is why he has captained England's youth sides so often. If my memory serves me right, Aidan Barlow also scored on that day and he is another prospect making strides, scoring in the FA Youth Cup tie at Derby County in midweek. However, Gomes has been elevated quickly in status following that decision by Jose Mourinho to bring him on against Crystal Palace last season and the welcome news that he has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Having interviewed Angel, I was struck by how level-headed and humble he appeared, displaying the sort of personality that had been evident two years previously in the junior tournament.

"I want to continue developing, obviously mentally and physically, and on and off the pitch," he told me at the time. "As well as learning and getting advice from others and just keeping on going.

"It's obviously an honour to be playing for the biggest club in the world. Not long ago, Marcus Rashford was in the Under-18s and, out of nowhere, he's in the first team and is a regular player now. At this moment in time, I'm at the best place as I want to play in the first team and I know the club gives a lot of opportunities to young players."

The spotlight will burn even brighter on Angel now his name is already known when it comes to the wider footballing public. It is important not to forget he is yet to make any appearance for the Reserves - which is remarkable considering he already has a senior game under his belt - and that is the next step for him. Although he will not be able to strut his stuff in the FA Youth Cup, following the penalty shoot-out exit at Pride Park, he should be a driving force in the UEFA Youth League.

It is also relevant to explain how, if he had been born a day later, he would have been available for Kieran McKenna's Under-18 side in 2018/19 as well. That, in itself, should go a long way to emphasising just how young he is, so there should be no rushing this precocious talent - as I suspect will be the prevailing attitude at the club.

Nonetheless, his continued progress should be fascinating to watch throughout 2018 once we hit the New Year. One thing that is for certain is he is in the right place to develop and fulfil his enormous potential.

The opinions in this story are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com