Gomes’ route to the top has been anything but conventional. From being a Manchester United Academy product to forging a successful career at French Ligue 1 side Lille, Angel Gomes has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. His inclusion in Lee Carsley’s first squad as interim England manager came as a surprise to many, but for those who have been following his journey, it was only a matter of time before he got the recognition he deserves.
Gomes’ journey began in Edmonton, north London, where he was born to a family of football enthusiasts. His father, Gil Gomes, represented Portugal at under-21 level and helped them win the 1991 Fifa Youth World Championship. Growing up, Angel would often watch his father play and was inspired by his passion and dedication to the sport. He started training with the Manchester United youth system at the age of six and quickly became an integral part of the club’s under-18 side.
However, Gomes’ time at Manchester United was not without its challenges. Under the management of Jose Mourinho, Gomes found himself struggling to get game time. Despite being named as a substitute in several matches, he only managed to make a handful of appearances for the first team. In an interview with Sport Bible in 2022, Gomes revealed that Mourinho’s criticism had left him on the verge of tears. “He was saying: ‘You were doing this and doing that but you should have done this and that.’ And this was in front of the whole squad,” Gomes recalled. “I was only young so in my head I was thinking: ‘He hates me.’ I went back to my room and rang my dad. I was nearly crying.”
Breaking Free from Manchester United
Despite the setbacks, Gomes continued to work hard and eventually earned a move to Lille on a free transfer. The decision to leave Manchester United was not an easy one, but Gomes knew it was necessary for his career. “I didn’t want to be stuck in a situation where I was not playing,” he said in an interview with BBC Sport. “I wanted to be in a situation where I was playing regularly and helping the team.” The move to Lille proved to be a turning point in Gomes’ career. He quickly established himself as a regular starter and helped the team qualify for the Champions League.
Gomes’ success at Lille did not go unnoticed. He was soon called up to the England under-21 squad and helped the team win the European Under-21 Championship in 2023. His performances caught the attention of Lee Carsley, who was impressed by his technical ability and vision on the pitch. “Angel is probably different to a lot of what we would have seen in the past, in terms of a central midfielder being a lot more physical and robust,” Carsley said. “He’s a lot more of a technical player – he controls the game with his technique.”
Gomes’ Style of Play
Gomes’ style of play is unique and has been influenced by his experiences playing in different leagues and countries. At Manchester United, he was often used as a winger, but at Lille, he has been used more centrally and defensively. He has a keen eye for a pass and is able to control the game with his technique. Gomes is also comfortable playing in a variety of positions, which makes him a valuable asset to any team.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Gomes revealed that he has been influenced by players such as Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. “I’ve always been a fan of players who can control the game with their technique,” he said. “I think that’s something that I’ve tried to incorporate into my own game.” Gomes’ ability to control the game and create chances for his teammates has made him a fan favorite at Lille.
Gomes’ International Career
Gomes’ international career has been marked by several highlight moments. He helped England win the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 and was a key player in the team’s success. He also played a crucial role in England’s victory in the European Under-21 Championship in 2023. Gomes’ experience playing in international tournaments has prepared him well for the challenges of playing for the senior team.
Gomes’ decision to represent England was not an easy one. He could have represented Portugal or Angola, but he chose to play for the country of his birth. “I’m proud to play for England,” he said. “I’m proud to represent my country and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Gomes’ Future Prospects
Gomes’ future prospects look bright. He has already established himself as a regular starter for Lille and has been called up to the England senior squad. With his technical ability and vision on the pitch, he has the potential to become one of the top players in the world. Gomes’ journey to the top has not been easy, but he has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
As Gomes looks to the future, he remains focused on his goals. “I want to continue to play at the highest level and help my team succeed,” he said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds and I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”
Gomes’ route to the top has been anything but conventional, but he has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. As he looks to the future, he remains focused on his goals and is excited to see what the future holds.