Published: 02:00, 22 February 2026 | Updated: 02:00, 22 February 2026

Sometimes, a young player’s reputation precedes him. Word begins to spread that there is a special footballer coming through the ranks at a club, a kid who is going to be the next superstar of the game.

There is an intoxication about seeing a footballer at the start of the journey and realising that, if fortune goes their way, you are witnessing the first shoots of greatness.

I felt that way when I saw JJ Gabriel play for the first time for Manchester United U18s at the Kassam Stadium last Wednesday and I have been lucky, over the last 40 years as a fan and then a journalist, to witness it in a series of other sublime talents, too.

September 2024 – Manchester City-Arsenal – Etihad Stadium – 18 years old

Lewis-Skelly was booked before he even made it on to the pitch at the Etihad but when he did get off the bench, he was instantly impressive. 

He is one of a clutch of Arsenal youngsters along with Ethan Nwaneri,...