Craig Bellamy, a former Liverpool and Manchester City player and current Wales manager, has praised a Manchester United youngster during the international break.
Manchester United’s academy has always been a place where young players shine, but in recent years, it appears to have hit a new level as several youth players have been called up to train and even play with senior international sides.
Gabriele Biancheri trained with both Wales and Canada’s senior sides in the summer, as he can represent both nations through his parents’ heritage, and he would’ve been disappointed to miss out on the pre-season tour in the United States.
James Scanlon – another regular in the under-21s – has been called up for Gibraltar’s senior side, and he played 82 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to the Faroe Islands on Monday.
Ethan Wheatley and Ayden Heaven have both spent time with England’s under-20s squad during the break, while Chido Obi was picked by Denmark’s under-21s despite being just 17.
Biancheri impresses during under-21s break
Like Obi, Biancheri was selected for an under-21s side in the international break, choosing to play for Wales for the time being. Wales’ senior squad take on Canada on Tuesday evening, and Bellamy was asked about the United youngster in the lead-up to the game.
“He wasn’t involved with United in pre-season. I was keeping an eye on him and it will be interesting to see where he goes,” said Bellamy in a press conference.
“I don’t know how it went with Canada when he went there because I haven’t asked him. I chose Canada in a friendly because I like them. They have really good habits and are ranked higher than us.”
When asked about Biancheri’s chances with Wales’ first team, Bellamy said: “We will have something to compare with when he comes in. I see him a long way from being in our first team. A long, long way. But what I like about him is that when you write him off, he finds a way.
“He’s not quick, and can’t run away from anyone, but he still finds a way. I know he is always going to do something, although I don’t know when. If someone writes him of, he’ll find a way to come back – the kid never goes away. I really respect that.
“I tend to really love players and I’m just so looking forward to seeing what he can do – just not yet.”
Biancheri’s versatility will help him massively
While Biancheri is a natural centre forward, he can play as an attacking midfielder and a left-winger if necessary. This is where he often plays for the under-21s due to Obi’s presence in the side.
In truth, the former Cardiff youngster could’ve benefited from a loan move to an EFL side, but his versatility could help him get more opportunities this season.
Obi can only play as a striker, but Biancheri can cover the entire of Rúben Amorim’s front three, so he could be included in a squad ahead of the young Dane if Amorim is struggling for attacking options.
With Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount suffering injuries against Burnley, Biancheri’s opportunity could come sooner than first thought.
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