Erik ten Hag Clarifies the Unexpected Decision Behind Willy Kambwala’s Debut
Posted By Yahaya Garba
December 26, 2023
2:03 pm
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“Willy Kambwala’s Surprise Debut: An Insight into Erik ten Hag’s Decision
In an unexpected move, Kambwala found himself in the starting lineup for Manchester United during their 2-0 defeat against West Ham United at London Stadium.
Filling in the back four in the absence of Varane, Maguire, Martinez, and Lindelof, the 19-year-old showcased a commendable performance in his debut, completing 90% of his passes and making three crucial ball recoveries.
Addressing the decision to start Kambwala, Ten Hag explained to the press that the young defender earned his debut opportunity based on impressive performances in training and for the Under-21s.”
“So, at the beginning of the season, we had five center-backs. However, on Saturday, three or four were unavailable due to illness or injury, prompting positional changes within the team.
Despite this, Willy Kambwala, who consistently impressed in training and Under-21 games, made a positive impact, earning his spot in the lineup.
His solid performance showcased his capabilities, hinting at a promising future. While there’s room for personal growth, his potential is evident, and we are pleased with his contribution.
In the upcoming crucial Boxing Day clash against Aston Villa, Kambwala might find a place on the bench, with Raphael Varane likely to return after missing the West Ham game due to illness.
Speaking on potential returns, Ten Hag mentioned, ‘Hopefully, Raphael Varane will be back. Amad Diallo is also a possibility; he has been training for two weeks. They are the ones we’ll be monitoring for possible returns.'”