Chido Obi made his Willem II debut against Excelsior and Man Utd could have another Harry Amass-like situation on their hands.
Having signed for Willem II on a season-long loan, Chido Obi will have his first experience of senior football away from Man Utd.
After dominating the U18s and the U21s level, this was the natural next step, but Willem II are a unique loan destination.
Having made his debut for the club against Excelsior at the first time of asking, the shades of Harry Amass‘ situation are impossible to ignore.
How Chido Obi performed on Willem II debut
Obi missed both the U21 games at Carrington before his move, so he wasn’t entirely match fit to start for Willem II right away.
Their first-choice striker is also in good form, so usurping him is his first challenge.
He came off the bench against Excelsior to play just eight minutes, and Willem II were already trailing by two goals by then.
The third was scored with him on the pitch, but Obi showed some encouraging signs in just eight minutes.
He tried to get involved in the game with some layoffs, running into the box afterwards to get on the end of the crosses.
His teammates didn’t find him, but his effort levels didn’t drop, as he also pressed from the front, something which will delight his manager.
Some loose touches will need to be polished as he gets used to the smaller margin for error in senior football, but his fundamentals look much better now.
Most importantly, his teammates seemed willing to bring him into the game since he physically towered over most of his opponents.
There’s clearly a talented player there who will get better with more minutes, and United will have a Harry Amass-like situation as a result.
Obi can follow Harry Amass’ footsteps
One thing is for certain with Obi this season, which is that he can’t be judged on the performances of the team he plays for.
Much like Amass, who enhanced his reputation while playing for a Sheffield Wednesday side losing every week, Obi also plays for a poor team.
Perhaps that is the situation Man Utd wanted him to be in, as it will challenge him to become a talisman and keep his head up in a losing battle.
He has started off well by trying hard when the game was already lost on his debut, and it is that work rate, more than the goals and flashy pieces of skill, that will endear him to fans.
If he manages to score anywhere between five and ten league goals for a side that won’t win many games this season, it will be a successful loan.
He has started off on the right foot.
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