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Discover key insights about George Gitau, Middlesbrough's promising defender recently selected for the Emerging Stars' COSAFA Cup squad.
Emerging Stars defender George Gitau has captured attention with his recent call-up to the Harambee Stars U23 squad for the COSAFA Cup 2024.
Despite being relatively unknown on the international scene, Gitau's journey in football spans several years across prestigious clubs in England.
Here are five essential things to know about this promising young defender:
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1. Extensive experience in England
Gitau’s football career in the UK is impressive with early beginnings at notable English clubs.
After an impressive trial, he signed with Championship side Middlesbrough in July 2020.
Prior to Middlesbrough, Gitau developed his skills at Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Brighton & Hove Albion, gaining a solid foundation in the English football system.
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His experiences with these clubs have shaped him into a versatile and resilient defender.
2. Versatility on the field
Primarily a right-back, Gitau is known for his adaptability and can also effectively play as a center back.
This flexibility makes him a valuable asset to his teams, providing defensive stability wherever needed.
His ability to play multiple positions came in handy during his brief loan stint at Marske United, where he gained additional match experience before returning to Middlesbrough.
3. International representation
Born to a Kenyan father and a German mother, Gitau has spent most of his life in the United Kingdom.
Despite his diverse background, he has embraced his Kenyan heritage by representing the Harambee Stars at the U23 level.
His inclusion in the squad for the COSAFA Cup marks a significant step in his international career, potentially opening doors for future senior team call-ups.
4. First team experience
While he predominantly features for Middlesbrough’s youth team, Gitau has had tastes of first-team action, which is crucial for his development.
He was named on the bench during Middlesbrough’s FA Cup clash against Brighton in early last year, an experience that exposed him to high-level competition and provided valuable learning opportunities, despite the team’s loss.
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5. Future prospects
As Gitau continues to develop and gain exposure on both the club and international stages, his future in football looks promising.
With a solid foundation in English football and increasing international experience, he is poised to make significant strides in his career.
Observers and coaches note his discipline, work ethic, and technical skills as key attributes that will help him succeed at higher levels of the sport.
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