Manzambi was once a goalkeeper for his youth team – and his first footballing idol was Germany’s Manuel Neuer.
Now he is a creative midfielder who enjoys getting forward.
And his goalscoring exploits against Bosnia-Herzegovina suggests he could be far more than just a “super-sub” at this World Cup.
He broke into the Freiburg first XI last season and helped the German club reach the Europa League final.
Manzambi started against Aston Villa in the final and although he could not help his side win – they were beaten 3-0 – he has been linked with moves to Napoli, Chelsea and Manchester United.
His performance on Thursday at the Los Angeles Stadium suggests there could be more competition for his services this summer.
It could have been even better had he been allowed to take his side’s 97th-minute penalty, with captain Granit Xhaka stepping up to convert instead,
If Manzambi had taken it and scored, he would have become the third-youngest player to hit a World Cup treble, after a 17-year-old Pele for Brazil against France in the semi-finals in 1958 and 19-year-old German Edmund Conen against Belgium in 1934.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea were all linked with Manzambi in March and, if he continues making an impact like this, the interest will only increase.
Speaking about Manzambi’s first goal to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead, former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s a brilliant finish.
“Switzerland needed to make changes because they weren’t doing anything, they were dominating possession but weren’t a threat.
“It’s a fantastic volley and great technique to give Switzerland the lead.”
