Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala has revealed that five legendary former players are among his idols, with two of his picks being club legends.
Willy Kambwala has emerged as a top prospect at Old Trafford and the 19-year-old has impressed for Manchester United in the first team this season.
The United centre-back, who came through the club’s youth academy, made his senior debut for the Red Devils in a 2-0 defeat to West Ham last December.
Erik ten Hag started Kambwala for the Premier League clash against the Hammers and the United player put in a strong showing, despite the Red Devils’ loss.
The United defender also made a brief cameo in United’s 3-2 win against Aston Villa, with Kambwala sending a message about his first appearance at Old Trafford.
However, Kambwala has faced an uphill battle in securing regular first-team minutes in the senior team and has been sporadically used by Ten Hag this season.
The Red Devils player came off the bench for cameo appearances in the 2-0 win against Wigan in the FA Cup and 4-2 victory against Newport County last month.
Kambwala names two Man Utd legends as idols
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, Kambwala revealed that AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini and Barcelona legend Carles Puyol were among his idols.
The United defender is also a big fan of Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, as well as picking out Red Devils legends Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic as influential figures.
“Maldini, Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Paul Scholes… I’m a defender, but I can dream, you know,” Kambwala said.
“And Vidic… like I said, I wasn’t watching a lot of football but watching United was different for me. All of the players playing for United were [inspirations] for me.
“I have some inspirational people outside of football as well. My parents, brothers and sisters, some coaches and some friends.
“It’s really important, even more important than football, because when you are good outside of football, then you can perform well.
“They did everything for me. They are a big part of my life and my story.”
Kambwala on Man Utd first team
Despite being further down the pecking order under Ten Hag, Kambwala has relished the opportunity to play in the United first team this season.
The United player, who was once linked with Liverpool, called it a “dream” moment for him to play at senior level and has urged others to “fight” for their dreams.
“First of all, just dream,” he said.
“To do something in your life, you have to dream. Then you have to fight for it.
“It’s easy to dream because it’s free. But to fight for it, that’s when it becomes more complicated because you don’t know what you’re going to have on your journey.
“Every journey is different. Don’t watch others because you don’t know what will happen.
“One day you’re on the top, another you’re down. So, fight for your dream and don’t let people say you can’t do it.
“If you want to do it, you can do it — it’s possible. So, fight for it! Be confident in yourself. Keep your feet on the floor as well.”