Search icon

Football

15th Mar 2016

Manchester United’s latest signing has been compared to Barcelona’s Dani Alves

No pressure, lad

Darragh Murphy

He may not be a household name but Matthew Olosunde already has plenty of fans in the U.S.A.

Manchester United completed the signing of the 18-year-old last week after he was eventually granted international clearance.

Olosunde debuted for United’s under-18 side last Friday and a bright future is expected of the New Jersey-born defender, with Duke University head coach John Kerr heaping praise on him.

USA U17 v England U17: Nike International Friendlies

Olosunde was named as one Duke University’s six new recruits for the season before signing for the Red Devils and he’s drawn comparisons to Dani Alves for his style of play.

“He’s incredibly athletic,” Kerr told the Mirror. “He doesn’t look like the strongest guy in the world, but he’s pretty strong. His recovery pace is very impressive.

FC Barcelona v Villanovense - Copa Del Rey

“He’s played a number of positions. He’s played centre defensive midfield, he’s dabbled a bit at centre-back, but for the national team he mostly plays right back. His best position might be right full-back. He has so much pace, that he can be like that Dani Alves type, that gets up and down the field. He loves to go forward and get to the final third.

“I think like every young player he has to work on his technique. He just needs to continue to grow. He’s a very quiet young man, but he’s got a lot of personality once you get to know him. He’s a fun loving guy that likes to smile. He’s a very sensible kid, he takes care of himself, and he’s desperate to make it.”

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10