PROFILE | Angel Gomes growing in stature for club and country

Angel Gomes is a player football fans have known for a while following his spell at Manchester United. The United youth graduate has shown in 2023 why Lille acted so quickly to sign him when he became available. For club and country, Gomes has had an impressive year. 

For his club, Gomes has cemented himself as a credible option under Paulo Fonseca. Previously, the England U21 international has found his minutes in the Les Dogues first-team sporadic. In the 2021/22 season, Gomes was limited to less than a thousand minutes of first-team action. However, that increased dramatically in the 22/23 season and with his impressive output and ability to play a number of roles in midfield. Gomes played 2,837 minutes during the 2022/23 season, scoring two goals and six assists. 

Gomes plays prominent role for England U21s

These are the numbers expected from an attacking midfielder. Gomes is more than capable of playing in that role, but this is not the only role afforded to him. The Englishman’s versatility makes him almost indispensable at Lille, as he also regularly features in more reserved and even defensive midfield roles. The London-born midfielder’s incredible vision from deep to create chances for Jonathan David and co., as well as being able to play in advanced areas and pop up with a goal, have become vital for Fonseca’s Lille. 

Impressive performances continued from Gomes at the U21 Euros in the Summer. The Lille man was a mainstay in midfield for Lee Carsley’s team as they beat Spain in the final 2-1. The former Boavista loanee formed an impressive partnership and understanding with Curtis Jones in the centre of the pitch as both players were required to fulfil several different roles for Carsley’s system. A winner’s medal was no less than what Gomes’ performances deserved. 

The Lille midfielder’s impressive form has carried into the new Ligue 1 season as has his versatility. Gomes has rarely been fixed to one position but still continues to play at a high level including in Europe. The former United man scored two goals in the Europa Conference League group stages as he aided Les Dogues to the Round of 16. 

GFFN | Liam Wraith