Willy Kambwala’s colossal efforts against Liverpool recognised in France | OneFootball

Manchester United’s defence creaked once more as Liverpool ran riot at Old Trafford with 28 shots last weekend.

Fortunately the Anfield men forgot to bring their shooting boots and Erik ten Hag’s men could escape with a 2-2 draw, after two wonder strikes by Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

The sheer number of shots that the Red Devils have given up this year is terrifying, with no club giving up more this calendar year in Europe’s top five leagues.

This is largely down to Erik ten Hag’s unfit for purpose system, but another significant factor is the sheer number of injuries his side have faced.It was reported after the Liverpool game that Willy Kambwala, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were the 31st defensive combination of the season for United.

However, in the midst of this chaos, it has has provided the opportunity for 19-year-old Kambwala to stake his claim for a significant role in the future at Old Trafford.

The Frenchman received massive plaudits for his effort against Liverpool where he played like someone well beyond his years.

Kambwala’s performance was praised by his manager Erik ten Hag, who said in a post-match interview:

“He has been training a while with us and progressing well. The next generation need to step in and he is doing brilliant. The challenge for him is doing it consistently. Great opportunity for him and we have other options like bringing Casemiro in at centre-half, but today he deserved it and he showed it on the pitch”.

Rio Ferdinand labelled the defender “magnificent” after the impressive display, while he was also praised in his home country of France.

French magazine, L’Equipe, named him in the team of the week of French players playing across the continent; a high honour when you consider the sheer depth of talent for France in Europe. And it is even more impressive when you consider the opposition the young defender was selected against.

The outlet noted that Kambwala held his own against senior established stars, with Liverpool needing a controversial late penalty to rescue a point.

Shortly after the game it was reported that United aim to tie down their new starlet to a long-term contract and see him as playing an integral part in the first team next season.

The Frenchman’s future, just like that of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, will certainly be fascinating viewing for any United fan.

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