Former Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala is beginning to find his feet after familiar problems at the start of his spell at Villarreal CF.
The French defender moved to United in 2020 from Sochaux but suffered an eleven month injury layoff just weeks into his career at the club.
Kambwala finally recovered and got his chance in the senior team last season when an injury crisis resulted in him making his debut against West Ham United alongside Jonny Evans.
He would go on to play 10 matches for the senior team last year, particularly impressing against Liverpool in April. Former United defender Raphael Varane even predicted he would have a “great future” at the club.
Nonetheless, he was sold to Villarreal in the summer for around €10 million but with a buy-back option and a significant sell-on fee.
The Frenchman has played nine times for the yellow submarine this season as he has had to battle with injury problems.
He made his debut in August in a 2-1 win over Sevilla but then missed 14 consecutive matches for his new team.
Mirroring his unfortunate start to his United career, Kambwala’s knee problem relapsed and it resulted in Villarreal being very careful with the 20 year old’s health.
He has been much more involved recently however, as he appears to be getting back to full fitness and his best.
The centre back has started in four of the last six matches and has helped his side reach fifth place in the league as they dream of a return to the Champions League.
His last match was on the 8th February where his side beat Las Palmas 2-1 and he made four clearances and completed 90% of his passes.
In a recent interview Kambwala has spoken on his happiness at the Spanish club and he is grateful for the role of his new boss in his progress.
“Marcelino has not pressured me and has given me time to adapt calmly. He told me to be patient, that I was young, that we were going to work together and not just with him, but also with the rest of the coaching staff and my teammates.”
The youngster also claimed that he is learning from senior pros, including former teammate Eric Bailly.
He certainly seems to have no regret about his decision in the summer as he claimed, “coming here is the best decision for me and for my career, and to progress in football. I want to keep training, playing, doing well and I’m very happy here.”
Kambwala could next be in action this Saturday afternoon when Villarreal travel to face Rayo Vallecano in a crucial top six encounter in the league.
Featured image Angel Martinez via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
