The youngest player to ever score a brace at a World Cup after coming off the bench. Meet Switzerland’s 20-year-old gem, Johan Manzambi.
He has injected a fresh and productive impetus into the Swiss, who have now qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup for a fourth successive time.
A 1-1 draw with Qatar in their opening game reminded Murat Yakin’s men about their shortcomings in front of goal, as they amassed 26 shots and only scored thanks to Breel Embolo’s penalty.
With apprehension building over Switzerland’s credentials to even breeze past less capable sides on paper, Manzambi was once again left out of Yakin’s starting lineup against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Swiss were haunted by the same lack of conviction for all their calculated possession play, but late attacking reinforcements propelled them to a resounding 4-1 victory.
Two minutes after stepping out onto the pitch in Los Angeles, Manzambi stroked home an impressive volley and exuded vibrancy during the remainder of the contest, alongside fellow substitute Rubén Vargas.
It was a crucial three points to all but guarantee a place in the Round of 32, however, Switzerland were determined to secure top spot in Group B against co-hosts Canada.
How Manzambi Changed Switzerland's Attack
The Canadians struggled to nullify Manzambi, who wreaked havoc with his ball carrying and extracted the best from his burgeoning partnership with striker Embolo.
Lurking just behind Embolo, youngster Manzambi prospered by appreciating the strengths of his teammate, consisting of holding up the ball and earning territory.
Some flaws may be exposed in this duo's approach once the Swiss collide with stronger opposition, but Manzambi has certainly staked his claim to start more often.
He scored his country’s second goal against Canada, albeit goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau would have expected to repel the effort comfortably.
For those following action in the Bundesliga, it may come as no surprise that Manzambi has lit up the World Cup stage and does not seem shackled by any burdensome expectations.
The Freiburg forward racked up 13 goal contributions across all competitions for the German club, and he played an integral role in their Europa League run, culminating in an unfortunate 3-0 loss to Aston Villa in the final.
Why Character Could Define Manzambi's Career
At his World Cup debut, he has already showcased the type of profile top European clubs are jostling to tie down and one that generates excitement.
To supplement his versatile qualities, dribbling prowess, and an eye for goal, he has coped admirably with the inevitable pressure when playing for your country.
He is the youngest player in the 26-man Swiss squad that travelled across the Atlantic to compete.
For Manzambi to shine, the vastly experienced figures will likely provide valuable advice to ensure his performance levels are maintained and he continues to buy into the philosophy of the team.
Holding the record for the most caps won for Switzerland, captain Granit Xhaka can call upon his plethora of appearances to inform his leadership in the upcoming knockout ties.
He is joined by veteran left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, adding to a dressing room where many of the players have plentiful national team experiences to fall back on.
Manzambi was perhaps one of Yakin’s most rewarding selections, as he bucks the trend by mustering the clinical edge that often hampers Switzerland’s progression at major tournaments when they are unable to find it.
This is someone who aspired to be a goalkeeper in his formative years, but he has now channelled his passion for football into being an attacking menace.
Clubs across Europe this summer will certainly be intrigued about what he has to offer with his skills in possession, but his demeanour and appreciation of the Switzerland system may equally turn heads.
