Emerging Talents: Fabrice Olinga of Málaga CF

Málaga CF may be enduring difficult times financially at the moment, but there have been several bright spots within the club in recent years, notably the emergence of Fabrice Olinga. The 16 year old Cameroonian has made quite the impression this season in La Liga, becoming the league’s youngest ever goalscorer when he scored the winner against Celta Vigo in the season opener.

Manuel Pellegrini, Malaga’s manager, was given instant gratification when handing Olinga his debut, and the Chilean tactician was so impressed with his development, that he handed the young Cameroonian his Champions Leauge debut just four days later.

Olinga started playing football at the Samuel Eto’o Foundation in Cameroon before joining Mallorca’s youth ranks in 2009. He spent two years there before signing for Malaga in 2011 and has enjoyed steady growth since his move. He looks to be developing in the same mold as Eto’o. His powerful, quick runs give defenders problems in behind and down the flanks, but he’s not scared to receive the ball with his back to goal either.

Check out Olinga’s Malaga below below…
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He’s shown he’s comfortable running at players and also has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. On top of scoring for Malaga on his debut, he was called into the Cameroonian National Team for African Cup of Nations Qualification in October of 2012 and scored the winner against Cape Verde.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Olinga has he continues to develop. In the meantime, check out all of our Emerging Talents featuring both Hachim Mastour of AC Milan and Seung Woo Lee of FC Barcelona.