The 15-year-old has already featured in four Premier League games, marking an incredible ascent for someone who still wears his school uniform to training.
Jeremy Monga’s rise to prominence at Leicester City is nothing short of remarkable, but manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is keen to remind everyone that the 15-year-old is still very much a schoolboy who needs time to adjust to the demands of Premier League football.
Monga has now made four senior appearances for Leicester, with his 20-minute cameo against Southampton being his longest so far. While van Nistelrooy acknowledges the youngster’s growing confidence, he cautions that these minutes on the pitch are crucial for his development, though some fans are eager to see Monga in the starting lineup.
Van Nistelrooy, who promoted Monga to the first team earlier than planned, is mindful of the challenges the teenager faces in such a high-pressure environment. He explained, “He’s a 15-year-old kid who is preparing his GCSEs, showing up for training with his school uniform and tie. Imagine processing that while being in the Premier League.”
Despite the pressure, Monga’s performances have shown growth. Van Nistelrooy praised his confidence, noting his ability to take on players and defend well. These experiences are vital for Monga’s development, with the support of his more experienced teammates proving invaluable.
Monga made history as the second-youngest player in Premier League history when he debuted last month, trailing only Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri. However, Monga is charting his own path, as Nwaneri didn’t play again until he was 16, while Monga is already making his mark.
Interest in the teenager is growing, with Manchester City reportedly among the clubs monitoring his situation. However, Monga can’t sign a professional contract until he turns 17 in July 2026, leaving his future open for speculation.
He’s not the only promising talent at Leicester, with 16-year-old Jake Evans also making his home debut against Southampton. Van Nistelrooy expressed that both players are being carefully integrated into the team to ensure they are prepared for the next steps in their careers.
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