Manchester United graduate Angel Gomes has named Bernardo Silva as the inspiration behind his form in the Ligue 1 this season. The London-born midfielder rose to prominence at Old Trafford after helping England win the U17 World Cup in 2017. Steve Cooper’s young Three Lions won in India, led by Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Emile Smith Rowe, Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Gomes. Following their success in Kolkata, all eight players went on to flourish in one of Europe’s top five divisions, but Gomes is the only one who failed to carve out a successful early career in the Premier League, leaving Old Trafford in 2020 for Lille before being immediately loaned out to Boavista in Portugal as Christophe Galtier’s men won Ligue 1 that season.
Gomes has had to wait for significant minutes since returning to the Stadium Pierre-Mauroy, but under Paulo Fonseca this season, he has been a staple in his starting Eleven. Gomes has added imagination and zest to Fonseca’s side, and he is now beginning to realize the early potential that saw him deemed a future star back in his teenage years. In a recent interview with French daily L’Equipe, the now 22-year-old addressed his form in Hauts-de-France — where he has started 25 of the club’s 27 Ligue 1 games this season — and even compared his own playing to that of a certain Manchester City star, Silva.
“For me, the most essential thing is to play. It’s critical to be able to play in a variety of positions and to feel at ease doing so. I put in a lot of time in the gym, but I also watch a lot of movies of myself and other players in certain situations,” Angel Gomes said about Bernardo Silva. “I’m happy playing in midfield or more attacking areas; I don’t mind where I’m playing as long as I’m having fun. There are a lot of distinct players. Yet, in my opinion, Bernardo Silva is the finest in this position (Manchester City). I immediately notice him since he is around the same size as me. And he has a great presence on the field. He’s all over the field, he’s brave, he doesn’t hide, and he always makes himself available to his teammates.”
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