Manchester United debutant Axel Tuanzebe was athletic, dogged but shy against Arsenal
JOSE MOURINHO hoped to see “a performance to remember” from Premier League debutant Axel Tuanzebe.
A tough ask for a 19-year-old playing at right-back, but the Manchester United kid gave it a good go.
Axel Tuanzebe has a solid Premier League debut against ArsenalGetty Images
He was handed the mammoth task of keeping Arsenal’s top scorer Alexis Sanchez silent.
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And his simple, touch-tight marking did the trick.
At times the naivety of the plan backfired – the best defenders in the world would not get so close to a player who can twist and turn at will.
But the Chilean found himself desperately trying to ditch his man in a bid to find space.
Axel Tuanzebe has all the strength and physicality to make it in the Premier LeagueAxel Tuanzebe was tasked with stifling Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates
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Tuanzebe, standing at almost 6ft 1in, is an imposing figure on the pitch.
The youth's athleticism also stood out as he burst back into defence anytime United squandered a corner.
Defensively he was sound, despite being caught out of position once or twice.
A centre-back by trade, the Congo-born ace was more hesitant when it came to attacking.
But after tearing past Sanchez on the right wing and winning a dangerous free-kick 21 minutes in, he had no reason to be.
Manchester United kid Axel Tuanzebe was composed on the ball but rarely demanded it off his team-mates
Tuanzebe also easily shrugged off the former Barcelona star - sending him tumbling to the floor - when under pressure deep in his own half.
But his attempts to shield the ball from Kieran Gibbs moments later in his own box fell flat when the Arsenal star nicked it off him and almost created a scoring opportunity.
At such a young age is is clear the defender - who is eligible to play for England - has talent, it is just a matter of time until he gains the experience needed to accompany it.
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