Joel Ndala
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Joel Tshisanga Ndala | ||
| Date of birth | 31 May 2006 | ||
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Manchester City | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –2017 | Port Vale | ||
| 2017– | Manchester City | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2023– | Manchester City | 0 | (0) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2022– | England U-17 | 4 | (3) |
| 2022– | England U-18 | 8 | (2) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 00:15, 20 May 2023 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23 November 2023 | |||
Joel Tshisanga Ndala (born 31 May 2006) is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester City.[1]
Early life
Ndala was born in Manchester and grew up in France before returning to England to live in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent at seven years old. He attended school at St Nathaniel's Academy in Stoke. He then quickly moved to Port Vale Academy. He left Burslem when he signed for Manchester City at the age of 10. [2]
Career
Ndala played in the youth ranks at Port Vale, until he joined Manchester City in 2017, at the age of ten years-old.[3] Ndala signed a professional contract with Manchester City in July 2022.[4] He was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best first year scholars in the Premier League in September 2022. [5] He progressed through the Citizens' youth ranks, impressing in the FA Youth Cup during the 2022-23 season.[6][7] He was included in the Manchester City squad that travelled to Saudi Arabia to play in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.[8]
International career
Ndala made his debut for the England U-18 side as a sixteen year-old in September 2022.[5] He scored his first goal for England U-18s against Croatia U-18s in March 2023.[9][10] He was selected to represent England at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and scored the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Iran U17 in Jakarta in November 2023.[11]
Style of play
After his performances at the U17 World Cup in 2023, Ndala was identified by ESPN as one of the stars of the tournament with “phenomenal change of pace and highly developed off-the-ball movement”. Comparisons were drawn in style with Manchester City midfielder Jeremy Doku.[12]
Personal life
Born in Manchester, England, Ndala has dual nationality with DR Congo.[5][13]
References
- ^ "J.Ndala". Soccerway. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- ^ Aarons, Ed (26 November 2023). "England's 'bright spark' Joel Ndala primed to follow in Foden's footsteps". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ Baggely, Michael (25 September 2018). "The Port Vale academy players signed by Manchester City, Wolves and Stoke City". Stoke Sentinel\accessdate=23 November 2023.
- ^ Ornstein, David (22 November 2023). "Manchester City starlet in demand, Broja boot deal and Ratcliffe timeframe – Ask Ornstein". The Athletic. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ a b c Jackson, Jamie (September 27, 2022). "Next Generation 2022: 20 of the best talents at Premier League clubs". The Guardian. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- ^ Wood, Liam (February 8, 2023). "Joel Ndala showcases Man City promise in dazzling 17-second burst during FA Youth Cup game". Manchester Evening News.
- ^ Baggely, Michael (January 13, 2023). "Former Port Vale winger shines for Man City in FA Youth Cup". Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- ^ Bray, Joe (18 December 2023). "Six Man City youngsters travel with Club World Cup squad ahead of Urawa Red Diamonds clash". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
- ^ "ENGLAND U18 Vs. CROATIA U18 2-1". Soccerway. March 22, 2023.
- ^ Baggely, Michael (March 29, 2023). "Why rise of England and Man City prospect is good news for Port Vale". Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- ^ "FIFA U-17: NDALA SEND ENGLAND THROUGH TO KNOCKOUT STAGE". Africatopsports. 14 November 2023. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
- ^ Karlsen, Tor-Kristian (23 November 2023). "Which players have impressed at the U-17 World Cup?". ESPN. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ "Joel Ndala, the agile destroyer of the opponent's defense". Kompas.id. 15 November 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.