Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala played a key role during the team’s draw with Liverpool at the weekend.
With a succession of injuries to senior players, Manchester United called on 19-year-old Willy Kambwala to start against Liverpool.
As manager Erik ten Hag pointed out after the game, it was not a promotion by default. He pointed out he was quite prepared to select Casemiro at centre-back if required.
Instead, Kambwala earned his chance through strong performances in training, and is now likely to be offered a new contract extension too.
Willy Kambwala in French team of the week
Willy Kambwala’s performance was impressive in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, with former star Rio Ferdinand selecting him as his man of the match.
He was also praised by Patrice Evra, a player who began his career at French club Les Ulis, just like Kambwala.
Kambwala’s progress at Manchester United has not gone unnoticed in France, where the Red Devils signed him from Sochaux in 2020, when he was just 16.
French newspaper L’Equipe selected him in their team of the week, consisting of French players across Europe’s top leagues, including their own Ligue 1.
The outlet noted that Kambwala held his own against senior established stars, with Liverpool needing a controversial late penalty to rescue a point.
Kambwala could be future France international
The praise for Willy Kambwala is recognition of his rising profile and he will be proud at the way he has forced his way into the Manchester United first team picture.
Similar to the way Marcus Rashford grabbed his opportunity amid an injury crisis in 2016, Kambwala looks intent on seizing his opportunity, playing with pride and passion, his pace and physicality were notable in the way he defended,
Kambwala has previously represented France at under-16s level, although injuries have prevented his call-up to higher age groups.
It is likely he will soon earn an under-21 call up for his country, and a senior call could one day be in his future too. Born in DR Congo, Kambwala could choose to represent the African nation if France do not select him.