According to the Daily Mail, ex-NUFC defender Kevin Mbabu could be set to earn a surprise call-up to Switzerland’s World Cup squad – with him also attracting interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga after an outstanding season with BSC Young Boys.
After struggling to get into the NUFC first-team picture, the right-back was loaned to Young Boys during the 2016/17 season. He impressed and I was hopeful Benitez would give him a proper chance, but instead he sealed a permanent move back to his homeland last summer.
There’s been no looking back for him ever since. Not only have BSC Young Boys stormed to the Swiss title, he’s been one of their star players, with his pace, power, energy and all action style making him a fan favourite – not forgetting he’s two goals and 8 assists down their right.
? BOOM ? pic.twitter.com/Dds01EGVC2
— Kevin Mbabu (@Kevin_Baboo) December 11, 2017
Following his rise to form, the Mail now claim he could be set for a surprise call-up to Switzerland’s World Cup squad (as back up to Juventus’ Stephan Lichsteiner), with Premier League and Bundesliga sides both tracking him ahead of a potential summer move.
Who knows how things would’ve unfolded if Rafa had chosen to keep him for our Championship campaign (opposed to loaning him out to Young Boys and eventually selling him the summer after), but you can’t help but feel he’s a player Benitez could’ve worked wonders with.
Fair play to him though. Not many leave the Premier League and return home in a bid to get their career back on track. It was a bold decision but it looks like it’s worked a treat for him.
Another one we’ll live to regret? Let’s hope not!
