According to a recent report by AS, Manchester United have joined Arsenal, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Olympique Lyonnais in pursuit of Real Madrid Castilla attacking midfielder Cesar Gelabert. However, the same source has also claimed that the Catalans are confident they can steal a march on the Spanish whizkid as they have been tracking the player since his youth days. At the same time, any potential suitors including the Red Devils can look to take advantage of a contract impasse between the player and Real Madrid (via AS).
Gelabert’s Remarkable Rise In Youth Football
The Palencia-born talent’s current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium runs out at the end of next season which could open the door for the Mancunian giants to orchestrate a move to sign him this summer (via AS). Gelabert joined Los Blancos from Hercules Alican and made his debut for Madrid’s ‘B’ side at the tender age of 17.
He has gone on make 21 appearances for Real Madrid Castilla, scoring one goal and providing one assist for them so far. He has also caught the eye with his performances against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Youth League, so it is no wonder that so many top clubs are battling it out for his services.
The 19-year-old has featured in 13 matches under Raul’s expert tutelage this term and has one goal against Sporting Gijon’s ‘B’ team to show for his efforts. The promising teenager has also shown a few glimpses of his potential when representing Spain at the Under-17 level. Gelabert has netted two goals in eight matches for the Spanish U-17 team and has also won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship with his nation which goes to highlight his impact in international football.
What Makes The Spanish Starlet Such A Promising Talent?
The young Spaniard is highly versatile as he can operate in multiple positions across the frontline. He primarily plays in the number ten position as an attacking midfielder but can also fill in on either flank as a winger or as a centre-forward up top if required.
Gelabert possesses a terrific burst of pace that allows him to make some dangerous runs behind the opposition backline. He has a low centre of gravity and outstanding close control of the ball which helps in dribbling past players and be a constant menace in the final third. However, the teen sensation is still quite raw and would need time to develop his skills so that he can be a world-class player in his position someday.
Is Gelabert A Prospect For The Future?
An attacker of Gelabert’s potential will undeniably be a massive coup for the Man United youth academy if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can find a way to fend off interest from others clubs and lure him to Carrington this summer. At the moment, the Spaniard is not ready to feature in the Premier League, but if the Red Devils are willing to be patient with him, then he has the ceiling to become a top prospect for the future.
For now, the youngster needs to work hard on honing his skills on the training ground, but in due time, we can expect him to leave a lasting impression at the highest level.
