What next for Will Alves as Ruud van Nistelrooy hints at future role and Leicester City rival
Will Alves is hoping to make 2025 his breakthrough year with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy confident the teenager has the qualities Leicester City need right now.
The homegrown talent finally made his Premier League debut in the defeat to Manchester City, nearly three full years after his first senior outing for the club aged 16. A serious knee injury and a long road to recovery stalled Alves’ progress but he’s now ready to become a fully-fledged senior player.
Under Steve Cooper, Alves had been considered for a loan but when the right club did not come forward, he stayed at City. Now, van Nistelrooy is utilising the 19-year-old, with Kasey McAteer’s injury opening the door for Alves to consistently earn a place in the squad.
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The City boss has faith in Alves to make a difference in the top flight. He's suggested his best position is on the wing, rather than in a central role, making him a rival for Stephy Mavididi on the left flank.
Asked what the next step is for Alves, van Nistelrooy said: “First, maintaining his training levels. He’s been doing really well in training. That’s why he’s there. He’s pushing for a place in the squad.
“What he has is speed, good feet, he can create something, powerful. It’s what we need on the wings, players who can take on one-v-ones, get balls into the opponent’s box and get past people to create chances for us. Will is capable of that. Of course, he’s very young and needs to keep working like he’s doing now.”
Alves himself has not ruled out a loan spell, with the January window allowing him to get a move for the second half of the season and potentially plenty more minutes. That may be appealing for the club too if they strengthen out wide, as van Nistelrooy has hinted they may look to do.
He told BBC Radio Leicester: “Since making my debut aged 16, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. All the lads have helped me. Even joining in the changing room last season, everyone made me feel so welcome. I’ve grown a lot in confidence with the lads and I feel a real part of the team.
“I have to continue with the confidence I have to play. I want to get as many minutes as I can. The more I play, the more I improve every single day. I want to play men’s football as much as possible, whether that’s here or on loan. I’m excited for the new year.”
