Tahith Chong #21

Profile

One of the few players in the national team setup actually born in Curaçao, the creative midfielder moved with his family from Willemstad to Rotterdam at the age of nine after being offered a place in the Feyenoord academy. Seven years later he moved again with his family - this time to England - after Manchester United offered him a place at their academy. He continued to develop and later trained with the first team under José Mourinho, who gave him his first senior appearance in a friendly. Competitive minutes followed under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, including a substitute appearance in the famous 3–1 comeback win at Paris Saint-Germain. “It’s been a special journey,” Chong told Voetbal International a few years ago. “My parents left everything behind in Curaçao for my dream.” Now the circle is complete with Chong back on the island playing for the national team while representing Sheffield United in the Championship.

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