| Rabbi Matondo’s rebirth will be crucial for Wales |
Without a first-team appearance at club level, Rabbi Matondo, in November 2018, became a Welsh international. The youngster made a 12-minute cameo in a friendly against Albania after impressing with Manchester City’s U23 team.
Now 21, Matondo has made seven more appearances for his country, yet to find the back of the net. He’s faced ups and downs. However, the winger is enjoying a new lease of life in Belgium - which will be crucial for Wales as analysed by casino online.
From his early days at Cardiff City, Matondo was tipped for greatness. He was highly regarded so much that a transfer war between his parent club and Manchester City ensued.
In 2016, Matondo moved to City for a small compensation fee. Cardiff appealed against the move and Matondo was blocked from playing for the Citizens for almost a year. However, a fee of £500,000 was reported to have been agreed upon.
At the Etihad, his stock continued to soar. Rising superbly through the ranks, he impressed the most with the U23s.
He scored 11 goals in 31 appearances for the sde, collecting five assists along the way. In the Premier League 2, Matondo struck six goals and added four assists in 11 outings.
German side Schalke 04 paid around £10m for his services in 2019. Matondo was tipped to follow the footstep of fellow City alumnus, Jadon Sancho. However, he didn't.
The 21-year-old failed to adjust to the Bundesliga. After two difficult years, he was farmed out on loan to Stoke City. In England’s second tier, he tallied once in 12 appearances. But Stoke declined to exercise their purchase clause and Matondo again, returned to Germany.
The 21-year-old did not get a chance to suit back up for die Knappen due to a knee injury. An approach by Cercle Brugge was welcomed and Matondo headed to Belgium to kick start his career.
Under less pressure, the Welshman is thriving. Matondo has so far contributed 10 goals (9 strikes and 1 assist) in 20 starts. The youngster is in the form of his life with three strikes in his last five matches.
Showing off frightening pace, Matondo has brought back memories of his early days. Regarded as something of speed merchant, he shows defenders a clean set of heels with pace and agility from the left or right flank.
Matondo is not a showboater or one who flaunts tricky skills, however. The Liverpool-born winger pushes the ball ahead of himself and defenders and lets his legs do the talking. In the final third, he is a step ahead of the rest with excellent decision-making.
Matondo, who love best canada online casino, made his name as a winger at academy level and is usually billed as such, but at Bruges, he's been deployed in a variety of position. He started eight matches on the left, played centrally six times and dropped to midfield thrice.
With Wales’ World Cup playoffs on the horizon, Matondo’s form will be sweet music to Rob Page, especially with the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey struggling. He could be the difference against Austria.
[ photo embedded from FAW Cymru ]