JJ Gabriel: Steve Holland cannot stop gushing over teen superstar | OneFootball

Of all promising Manchester United academy products emerging from the Carrington pipeline, JJ Gabriel is by far the biggest talent.

His exploits for the U18s have the entire fanbase buzzing, with plenty expecting the 15-year-old to become a world-beater if he keeps up this trajectory.

He has 14 goals and two assists to his name in 19 games across all competitions, and naturally, his form has caught the attention of United’s coaches.

Back when Ruben Amorim was at the helm, he invited the England U16 international to first-team training sessions.

JJ Gabriel: rapid rise

That trend has continued under Michael Carrick, who has told his confidantes that if not for United’s exit from the FA Cup, the teenage forward would have earned a senior debut by now.

According to The Mirror, Steve Holland, who joined as Carrick’s No.2, has been blown away by the level of performances JJ Gabriel has been putting in during first-team training.

In fact, plenty inside the club feel the sky’s the limit with the versatile attacker, with some even claiming he could win a Ballon d’Or in the future.

“Manchester United are no strangers to bringing superstars through their ranks. But given the lack of talent to have emerged in recent times, there is genuine excitement among senior club figures that United have hit the jackpot when it comes to JJ Gabriel.

Steve Holland impressed

“The teenager doesn’t turn 16 until October, but has been training with the first team squad for several months and has not been out of his depth. In fact, coaches including Steve Holland have been impressed with how he has adapted to the step up.

“Some people even consider him to be a future Ballon d’Or winner. His first team debut should follow next season in one of the domestic cup competitions.”

Because he is so young, rules prohibit him from playing in the Premier League this season, which is why there is no chance of a breakthrough before the next campaign.

Hopefully, a debut arrives next season, and that will be enough to convince JJ Gabriel and his father that his future lies at Old Trafford and nowhere else.

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