Joseph Nonge has already made his debut with Juventus, although it didn’t go well. ©IMAGO/Gribaudi/ImagePhoto
Joseph Nonge, 19 ans, Juventus
He could have been in Samuel Mbangula’s place. Last season, Nonge was launched twice by Massimiliano Allegri. But it would have been complicated for him to become the first Belgian footballer to score in the Bianconeri jersey. Because of his position, defensive midfielder, and because his coach had been merciless with him. Coming into the game against Naples in the 75th minute, the Belgian was taken off a quarter of an hour later after committing a penalty.
“He came with us once, Penneman remembers. Joseph was in competition with Arthur Vermeeren who was more advanced than him. When you play abroad when you’re young, it’s not always easy. You’re alone there when you’re still a teenager. But he already had a lot of potential in that role.”
With Thiago Motta and his appeal for the team, Nonge can hope to receive a second chance. Unless he decides to go and look for playing time elsewhere like at West Bromwich in the Championship.
Mika Godts started the season as a starter.
Mika Godts, 19 years, Ajax
This may also be his year. In any case, he couldn’t send a better message. Two years ago, Mika Godts made a thunderous debut in the Challenger Pro League with Jong Genk, scoring 7 goals in 19 games. Enough to attract the interest of Ajax, who gave him a taste of the Eredivisie sparingly, as evidenced by his 13 minutes of playing time spread over three games. Although he was used more last year (13 appearances in the league), the winger must take a step up this season. And Francesco Farioli, the new Ajax coach, seems ready to help him in this quest. The Leuven native was a starter in the first two league games, where he has already made his mark by providing an assist.
“Mika’s story is specialCount Penneman. After Covid, he wasn’t in great shape. It wasn’t a question of weight. He had difficulty getting back into the rhythm of competition. It wasn’t an easy time for him. He was on the bench in his age category at Genk. We kept faith in him by bringing him back into the national team and starting him. He showed his exceptional qualities. That’s how he started to enjoy himself again. Mika, he’s the best of the best because he is very explosive with the ball while most players are only explosive when they don’t have the ball.”
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Mika Godts is the best of the best because he is very explosive with the ball.
Stanis Idumbo should quickly make his Liga debut. ©SevillaFC
Stanis Idumbo, 19, Sevilla FC
This is the story of a bet. Last summer, Stanis Idumbo, “a very fast attacking midfielder”was the most decisive player of his generation with his 15 goals and 14 assists in the Ajax U18 team. Six months later, the player who was born in Melun, France, decided to respond favorably to the interest of FC Seville.He may have lacked a bit of patience because he could have started more quickly in the first team in the Netherlands.”Penneman continues.
The 2024-2025 vintage should allow him to express himself. During the preparation, Idumbo was used and stood out with his dribbling, particularly in the Antonio Puerta Trophy against Al-Ittihad or against Liverpool.Like Godts, he is also very fast with the ball. And he also knows how to combine with his partners with his eyes closed. When he was at the Ghent training center, his understanding with Malick Fofana was incredible.”
Malick Fofana has won everyone over in Lyon. ©AFP or licensors
Malick Fofana, 19 years old, Olympique Lyonnais
The transition is all made to evoke the case of the Lyonnais. Transferred between Rhône and Saône six months ago, Malick Fofana was the main success of the gigantic winter transfer window operated by John Textor. Used much more often as a joker by Pierre Sage, the former Gantois must establish himself as an undisputed starter this year. If he started on the bench in Rennes for the resumption of Ligue 1, the international hopeful created the difference when he entered the game by notably causing a penalty. Provided he confirms, he is the one who is closest to the Red Devils.
“He’s a gift for a coach. Firstly because he’s versatile. With me, he played as a centre forward. But be careful, he was a number 9 in his own way. He wasn’t a box player, he brought depth and speed. With Hein Vanhaezebrouck, he played as a piston. And his natural position is on the left flank. He’s a worker. He defended like crazy, running constantly. We almost had to tell him to count his efforts, which is rare,” Penneman smiled.
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Fofana should almost be told to count his efforts.
On a siding in Lens, Ayanda Sishuba will bounce back in Belgium. ©IMAGO/Sportimage
Ayanda Sishuba, 19 years old, Lens
If this name doesn’t ring a bell, that could change quickly. Trained in Lens, the attacking midfielder is on a dead end with the Artésiens after appearing a few times with the first team during the previous season. He should bounce back in Belgium. And this little hitch shouldn’t upset a player accustomed to resilience with his winding career.
“He is talented but he needs more playing time. With us, he played with the ‘U17 Late’, that is to say late maturity. He is not tall, he is thin but what is incredible is that he manages to have a crazy impact in the duels. That is where we saw that he played against adults with the Lens reserve team.”
Last year’s champion, Noah Mbamba will try to reveal himself in Düsseldorf. ©INA FASSBENDER
Noah Mbamba, 19, Fortuna Düsseldorf
Like in a dream. Two years ago at this time, Noah Mbamba started the 2022-2023 season as a starter at Club Bruges. Carl Hoefkens first launched him against Ghent in the Supercup and then against Genk for the opening of the season despite his 17 years.He always played one category above. I didn’t have him under my orders because he was upgraded directly to U19″Penneman continues. Even though he only played once with the Blauw en Zwart after his baptism, Mbamba is leaving for Leverkusen in January 2023. Where he has only appeared four times with the first team in a year and a half. Enough to be considered a champion. This summer, Mbamba is loaned to Fortuna Düsseldorf in the German second division. After a small physical problem, he was able to make his debut this weekend when his new colours were eliminated by Dynamo Dresden in the German Cup.
