(Manchester united News)
Adnan Januzaj is no longer a precocious teen talent after turning 20 last month and the signs of maturity are becoming evident. The Belgium international has worked his way into Louis van Gaal's plans for his Manchester United side and excited Old Trafford with his second-half showing against Sunderland last weekend.
It was the Black Cats who provided the opposition when Januzaj catapulted himself into worldwide fame with a remarkable match-winning double on his full debut under David Moyes and, although he has had to be patient this term, he has been selected of late. Van Gaal has often charged him with the responsibility of taking on defenders, as was the case when he came off the bench again at Newcastle United.
This role has meant direct contact with some of the toughest tacklers he feels he has ever faced - in our interview, he cited the defenders of Cambridge United and another combative foe in Leicester City's former Reds right-back Danny Simpson. Last Saturday, he was up against Sunderland's Patrick van Aanholt and the Belgian gave the Dutchman a difficult time, hugging the right touchline and pushing his marker onto the back foot every time he obtained possession.
Once van Aanholt had been booked for a late challenge, Januzaj relished having the psychological upper hand and was bursting with confidence and arrogance, showing glimpses of the dazzling footwork that surprised so many supporters when he broke into the first team in 'Roy of the Rovers' fashion.
"My game is all about trying to make things happen," Adnan told ManUtd.com.
And it is. Although he can operate centrally, attacking from out wide has largely been Januzaj's modus operandi since making his debut last season. The 3-5-2 formation therefore limited the number of outings for the young winger and he was naturally delighted to be back in the team when the tactics changed.
"We had the diamond at Cambridge and I played as a left-midfielder," he said. "I feel comfortable there as well. I think I can play well there without a problem.
"My favourite position is as a winger or a no.10. There are a lot of players here and I can play in different roles – it is just a case of taking any opportunities."
Januzaj is focused and confident in his own ability and, like any winger, he needs to be. Gone are the days when Ryan
