Who is Cameron Borthwick-Jackson? We profile Man Utd youngster...
Saturday 12 December 2015 16:48, UK
After Cameron Borthwick-Jackson's surprise appearance for Manchester United against West Brom at the weekend, we profile the latest youngster to make the step up from the academy to the first team, with the help of former England U16s and U17s coach Kenny Swain...
Factfile
Age: 18
Place of birth: Manchester, England
Club: Manchester United
Position: Defender
Background
Every local lad's dream is to play for the club he supported as a boy, and Manchester-born youngster Cameron Borthwick-Jackson fulfilled his dreams at the weekend.
After graduating from the same school as Ravel Morrison and Tyler Blackett, Borthwick-Jackson joined United as a scholar in 2013, and immediately became immersed in what United are all about.
"Cameron was enthusiastic from a very young age," Swain, who coached Borthwick-Jackson with both England U16s and U17s, told Sky Sports.
"Whether it was a seat on the bus or on the bench, he was always smiling."
"He was in our sights early on. He had a great height and presence from a young age, which automatically stood him in good stead."
Naturally at home in the heart of defence, but equally adept at full-back, Borthwick-Jackson played in all five of the U17s' matches at the Milk Cup in July 2014, scoring in both the semi-final win over Scottish side Partick Thistle and the only goal in the final against French club Vendee - not bad for a defender!
He then continued his development with 31 appearances for the U18s last season, before stepping up to the U21s this season and participating in the UEFA Youth League.
"He is in the perfect environment," Swain continued. "United coaches Warren Joyce and Paul McGuiness don't allow any nonsense, and 'fancy dans', they give players like Cameron a perfect grounding."
"Manchester City may have the facilities and the money, but United know what they are doing. Cameron's progress is testament to that."
Strengths and style of play
Versatility is key in the modern game, especially for youngsters who are keen to impress, and Borthwick-Jackson ticks the necessary boxes to get Louis van Gaal's attention.
Not renowned for being a ball-player, the teenager's physicality and defensive solidity has helped propel him up the ranks at Carrington.
"He has an unusual stance and running style, which came from being so tall from a young age," Swain added.
"His arms were everywhere, and that looked unusual. However, it just added to his presence and made him hard to breach. He flew into challenges, no matter who he was up against, he is fearless."
His strength and size are keen to his game. A left-footer - which Swain believes appealed to Van Gaal - makes him the perfect partner in the middle, or a more physical presence at full-back.
Marcos Rojo was surprisingly withdrawn at the weekend, but with crosses coming in from the left, Borthwick-Jackson was tasked with using his size to nullify such an avenue for the Baggies, and United looked much safer with the youngster as an imposing stumbling block.
What does the future hold?
"It won't have been an overnight decision to put him on the bench," Swain said. "Van Gaal will have been discussing him with Joyce and McGuiness for a long time - he doesn't make hasty decisions."
Injuries have helped Borthwick-Jackson earn his opportunity, now the true test is whether he can stay there.
Luke Shaw's recovery is key. Were something to happen to Rojo, there are few alternatives, with experiments using Ashley Young and Matteo Darmian out of position falling flat.
"Again, he is in the right environment," Swain said "The pressure City's facilities and budget has put on United can only be a good thing.
"You need players that are solid and dependable, rather than spectacular in the modern game. It is not all about passing and dribbling skills."
United stars past and present are sending their players to City, the noisy neighbours' new facilities at Etihad Campus are second-to-none, and the schooling system in place is the envy of the red half of the city.
However, as Swain alludes to, United have experience of handling young talent, and if Borthwick-Jackson can keep his feet on the ground then he has the natural physicality to become a vital option in defence.
"Enthusiasm is key. The lad just loves to play football - a underrated attitude - and if Joyce, McGuiness and Van Gaal can ensure the riches from across the city don't distract him, he could become a regular feature. I wish him all the best!"
