Leicester boss may replicate Cody Gakpo, Noni Madueke, Xavi Simons work

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·09 de fevereiro de 2025

Leicester boss may replicate Cody Gakpo, Noni Madueke, Xavi Simons work

Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is on course to elevate some Foxes starlets. There is nothing fans like more, apart from trophies, than watching their own academy products thrive in the first team. Two youthful LCFC players have recently gone along with the seniors. High hopes exist for both Jake Evans and Jeremy Monga. The latter is apparently being tracked by megaclub Real Madrid.

If you didn't know, during his coaching career Van Nistelrooy has a history of aiding the development of several now prominent Premier League and national superstars. In spite of a poor start with the King Power side, optimism still surrounds this aspect of the Dutchman's modus operandi. Evans (17) and Monga respectively travelled to play Manchester United. With the 15-year-old actually making the substitute's bench.

Vídeos OneFootball

When they were a bit younger, well-known athletes such as Cody Gakpo, Ismael Saibariff, Noni Madueke, Xavi Simons, Jarrod Branthwaite and Johan Bakayoko were in RvN's care. They all advanced massively over that period and subsequent to the 48-year-old's departure from their lives. Can van Nistelrooy replicate any of these success stories at King Power Stadium? And are any precocious Foxes talents awaiting his focus on Filbert Way?

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Why should the Blue Army consider their up-and-coming footballers in good hands? For two reasons actually: one, RvN was an amazing player. And, secondly, he has helped the advancement of a host of household stars.

Van Nistelrooy doesn't seem to be worried about Leicester's negligent and borderline contemptible transfer window either. Maybe that's because he knows he has the capacity to extract the best from any able yet young athlete on the roster.

"It was great to be part of the development of Cody Gakpo, Noni Madueke, Jarrod Branthwaite, Xavi Simons, Johan Bakayoko, Ismael Saibari.The first thing I did here [LCFC] was to look at the Under-18s, the Under-21s and getting them joining in with first-team training.It’s not only looking outside to strengthen. If players are good enough, age doesn’t matter to me."RvN

The ex-Manchester United man also confirmed Monga will train with the seniors for the remainder of the season. RvN says Evans' attacking ability is extremely promising:

"Talent decides its pathway. Jeremy [Monga] - a 15-year-old - is playing in Premier League Two.Jake [Evans] is an attacking player, he plays in all three positions up front. Plays as a nine, can come from the wing. He’s quick, powerful, has a great left foot. He can score a goal. You can see in training, he’s fearless, he takes people on."