The Potential of Adnan Januzaj

Before Manchester United’s opening pre-season friendly against an All Star Singha XI in Bangkok, not many people were knowledgeable about 18-year-old Belgian youngster Adnan Januzaj, who signed for the club from Anderlecht’s academy in 2011. The left-footed playmaker confidently flaunted his gifted skills during the game, being one of the only players to impress hugely along with new singing Wilfried Zaha. Januzaj had one clear-cut chance in the game but kept everyone on the edge of their seat with his darting runs, his one-touch control along with his passing and trickery.

This game was Januzaj’s first real taste of first-team football despite it only being a friendly. Januzaj’s only other glimpse of the first team was when he was awarded a spot on the bench in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever Premier League game in charge in the pulsating 5-5 draw with West Bromwich Albion in May. Unfortunately he did not get to come on, but it was evident that Sir Alex Ferguson had a huge opinion of Januzaj’s promising potential, and he showed that by awarding last season’s Reserves Player of the Season the appearance in a hugely significant game for the club. Ferguson admitted he still has far to develop but is very a technically gifted player.

“Adnan is a beautifully balanced player. He’s only 18 and still to grow into his frame. But he has good balance, good acceleration and he’s a very good technical player.” – Sir Alex Ferguson

Januzaj’s creativity in midfield can change games single-handedly with his free-kick being one of his best assets on the pitch. It was very evident how important Januzaj was to United against All Star Singha XI as he was seen roaming the pitch, thoughtfully taking his own space, moving freely from the right flank to the left, then swiftly moving into a central attacking position and back to the flanks again. Januzaj thrived upon his free role and made sure he had space to be always in with a chance of a pass.

With David Moyes looking to add to his squad, possibly in midfield in which Moyes is reported to want to strengthen; it won’t be that easy for Januzaj to break into United’s squad next season. It is important he gets time to develop his potential without being looked upon to play too many games, putting too much unnecessary pressure on him. I would expect Januzaj to start cup games in the new season along with the odd Premier League game. There is already a lot of competition in his position especially with Valencia, Nani, Young, Zaha, and even Kagawa fighting for places on the wings.

However, it is expected that Moyes will give Januzaj valuable minutes on the pitch this season even if it is a few games; he seems to be impressed with the playmaker already.

“It’s always good when you give a young player a chance & he shows up, which I thought he did tonight.” – David Moyes after the 1-0 defeat to All Star Singha XI

It is also expected that Moyes will table a new long-term deal for the playmaker to avoid another Paul Pogba situation in which the club lost the talented impatient midfielder to Juventus, where he received more opportunities to play first team football.

That problem will be very unlikely to happen with Januzaj, he has been praised at United’s youth level for his impressive dedication and his genuine natural determination to succeed.

“He’s grown up a certain way and I think he has had a tremendous education over in Belgium. He’s come over here with good technique and is desperate to be a footballer as well so he’s got a lot of things going for him.” – Warren Joyce

If he gets his fair opportunity in the first team I can see him being patient and hardworking to develop his talent and abilities. It is important he is not rushed into being an important first team player too quickly and he is given the right amount of chances to take his time developing.

Despite sharing the same birthday as world superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, I sincerely hope that there won’t be too much pressure on Januzaj too early in his growth as a player. Hopefully one day he will be a superstar in his own right with his fantastic technical ability as a footballer. He has a lot of potential as highlight by Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes and Warren Joyce respectively; it’s time for him to show off his potential.