Njie took center stage against Como, his crisis-busting goal was fundamental in raising the score Bull after four consecutive defeats between the championship and the Italian Cup. And, seeing the fiery trio with Roma, Fiorentina and Juve, his three-point goal was a real breath of fresh air. And if the class of 2005 was good and stubborn in exploiting the mistake of Braunoder from Como as well as coolly overtaking Audero, then there is Paolo Vanoli’s courage in launching him in the most delicate moment of his management. At 0-0, with even the more experienced Karamoh on the bench, the coach still chose Njie and his choice was fully repaid. Now, the biggest risk is that the 19-year-old Swedish national gets his head high, even if the messages sent by the coach would bring everyone back down to earth.
Vanoli knows well how young people grow, on the other hand a good part of his career has been in contact with the little ones. “My path starts from the youth national teams, I like to see the talent and enthusiasm of the boys” explained the coach, who from 2010 to 2016 worked his way through the staff and bench from the Under 16s to the Italian Under 19s. And now, to Toro, he is bringing his politics: “The Primavera is not a sparring partner, I also wanted to have a relationship with the coach to understand how much these boys could grow – he repeats since this summer, when a joint retreat just ten kilometers away between Pinzolo and Spiazzo – and I never look at the date of birth: when they enter they must give me enthusiasm and desire to come to the camp every day, but they must understand that they have done nothing and their path is still long.”
And on their responsibilities: “Whoever trains with me, when they go to the Spring team, must take the place of someone who has trained all week and must demonstrate responsibility, because this is how we grow – explains Vanoli – and they must not make mistakes in their behavior because otherwise they don’t see the first team anymore.” And who after Njie? Ciammaglichella has already made his debut but has yet to enter the rotations, Bianay Balcot is another alternative: here are the next young bulls ready to take the big bull.