Angel Gomes: The Rise of England's Promising Midfielder from Manchester United to Lille

Angel Gomes: Rising Star in England's Football Scene

As England prepares for its upcoming football fixtures, fans are eager to see the uncapped talent Angel Gomes, selected by interim manager Lee Carsley. Known for his exceptional technical and tactical abilities, Gomes is not just another addition to the squad; he's viewed as a potential game-changer.

The FA’s Vision for Midfielders

The Football Association (FA) has been developing a specific type of midfielder in recent years, and Gomes fits that profile perfectly. Steve Holland, assistant to Gareth Southgate, has presented ideas on the essential qualities needed in a modern midfielder, including the ability to receive the ball under pressure and initiate plays effectively.

As Paul McGuinness, Gomes’ former coach at Manchester United, puts it, "We searched within the FA to try to improve that type of midfield player. That's the type of player Angel is."

Lee Carsley’s Praise for Gomes

Carsley has not shied away from highlighting Gomes’ unique skills. He remarked, "Angel's different to what we've got in terms of a player who can play deeper but play like a ten. He's very skillful, the way he can receive balls, the way he can control games." This endorsement sets the stage for Gomes to become a regular in the England squad.

Gomes’ Performance in Ligue 1

Despite many England fans not being familiar with Gomes, his recent performances in Ligue 1 speak volumes. He was one of the league's most creative players last season, leading the assist charts. His journey to an England call-up is a testament to his hard work and resilience, having started in the Manchester United academy at just five years old.

The Importance of Skill Over Physicality

Standing at 5ft 6in, Gomes defies the stereotype of tall, physical midfielders dominating the game today. McGuinness recalls, "When you first see a player like that, they're always smaller than the rest... But then straight away, you realize why. His touch, control, his movement, his cleverness made him stand out."

Manchester United’s Youth Development

At Manchester United, the motto "Skill is King" allowed Gomes, along with his peers, to flourish regardless of their physical stature. Other notable players like Jesse Lingard and Scott McTominay have similarly benefited from this philosophy.

A Promising Move to Lille

After leaving Manchester United, Gomes signed with Lille and initially went on loan to Boavista in Portugal. His return saw him integrated into a club that had just won the Ligue 1 title, but it wasn’t until the latter part of the following season that he found his niche, playing as a No. 10.

Comparisons and Future Potential

His current role at Lille has been likened to playing deep in his own half, similar to players like Frenkie de Jong. According to Gourvennec, "He won't play like Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham... He's different, you can put him in his own specific box."

Gomes' Experience with England’s Youth Teams

Gomes has a rich history with England’s youth systems, including winning the U17 World Cup in 2017. His experience alongside talented players like Phil Foden strengthens his position in the national setup.

Conclusion

As Angel Gomes makes his mark in the England squad, the excitement among fans and coaches is palpable. With his unique skill set and strong foundation from his time at Manchester United and Lille, the 24-year-old is poised for a significant impact on the international stage.

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Explore Angel Gomes' journey from Manchester United to the England national squad. Discover why this talented midfielder is one to watch in upcoming fixtures.

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Tags:

• Angel Gomes
• England Football
• Ligue 1
• Manchester United
• Football Development