Player Analysis: Ryan Gauld

The "New Messi" moniker is increasingly a curse, not a blessing; it seems that it is no longer appreciated when diminutive pint-sized playmakers are compared to football's greatest magician. Seemingly every country has had their "Messi," Bojan Krkić, Muhamad Demirci, Ryo Miyaichi, Gai Assulin, and Marko Marin have all failed to materialise into the next Messi, without the moniker no doubt doing more harm than good for their respective careers.

In Scotland, when a young Ryan Gauld emerged with skill beyond his years and a slight frame, those in the media could not help themselves but compare the Dundee Utd midfielder with the Barcelona legend. According to his once-teammate and long-time friend, Jordan Moore, Gauld had always stood out:  "Ryan was always a stand out at every age group. Technically miles ahead of everyone else, he physically was small and slight but worked very hard and held his own."

December 2013 saw the first of many top-level managers flock to Dundee, David Moyes headed up north, he "personally" scouting the then teen whilst Man Utd Manager. During his time in Dundee, Gauld was courted by various European super clubs, with Spurs, Roma, Real Madrid, and Liverpool repeatedly subject to headline stories in Scotland and beyond. In an unheralded Dundee Utd team that featured modern-day superstar Andrew Robertson and cult figures: Gary Mackay-Steven and Nadir Ciftci, Gauld featured extensively, performing at a level that merited attention regardless of his tender age.

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