Six months into life in Europe, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s dream of becoming a professional footballer was hanging by a thread. The midfielder, 19, had arrived at Reims on loan from Cameroonian side Coton Sport, training with the French club’s academy. It was a monumental learning curve for Anguissa, who had never been a part of a professional academy set-up before. However, the hierarchy at Reims did not see his potential and decided to let him go.
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Anguissa would go on to prove them wrong. Within just two years, he established himself as a key player in the Marseille first team and even featured in a Europa League final. His performances caught the eye of several top clubs, and he was eventually signed by Fulham for €30 million. Today, he is leading Fulham’s fight against relegation in the Premier League and is set to star for Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations in 2022.
A Difficult Transition
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Before his time at Reims, Anguissa had never played for a professional team. Football for him had consisted of playing anywhere and anytime he could, from a young age. His talent was recognized at the G8 tournament in Yaounde, where scouts and sporting directors from top European clubs voted him as one of the best players. It was there that former Marseille scout Jean-Philippe Durand first set eyes on Anguissa and saw his potential.
Overcoming Rejection
After his disappointment at Reims, Anguissa joined Valenciennes on a permanent contract. It was during his time at Valenciennes that Marseille took notice of him. Marseille’s then-coach, Marcelo Bielsa, saw Anguissa’s potential and brought him into the first-team group. Despite Bielsa’s departure, Anguissa continued to impress and became a regular under subsequent coaches Rudi Garcia and Michel.
Making an Impact at Fulham
Fulham recognized Anguissa’s potential and signed him for the 2018-2019 Premier League season. It was a difficult debut campaign for Anguissa, as the team struggled and had three different managers. However, under Scott Parker, Anguissa began to show glimpses of his talent and became an influential player for the club.
Thriving at Villarreal
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After Fulham’s relegation, Anguissa spent a season on loan at Villarreal, where he further enhanced his reputation. Villarreal’s former manager, Javier Calleja, praised Anguissa’s professionalism and described him as a complete central midfielder. Anguissa’s performances at Villarreal, where he played a dynamic role and showcased his technical ability, attracted interest from top clubs, including Real Madrid.
Loyal and Ambitious
Anguissa’s loyalty and ambition are well-known among those who know him. He turned down a call-up to the Cameroon national team for the Africa Cup of Nations because he didn’t want to let down his club manager, Rudi Garcia. Cameroon went on to win the tournament. Anguissa’s loyalty and dedication have also earned him the respect of his international coach, Toni Conceicao.
The Future
Anguissa’s performances at Fulham have caught the attention of top clubs, and there was considerable interest in him during the transfer window. However, Fulham decided to keep hold of him, recognizing his importance to their fight against relegation. Anguissa’s performances this season have been impressive, and he is quickly becoming a player Fulham cannot do without.
In conclusion, Frank Anguissa’s rise from rejection at Reims to becoming a force at Fulham is a testament to his determination and talent. He has overcome obstacles and proven himself at both the club and international level. With his potential and growth, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him playing for a top team in the near future.
Nguồn: https://www.pesstatsdatabase.com
Danh mục: Sport
