City EDS 0-1 Everton

Not the finest of games, to be truthful. City never really got going on a horribly miserable night in East Manchester. It was cold, dreary and wet, as it always seemingly is at the CFA, and the game went through the motions for the vast majority of the night. City didn’t deserve a defeat, but at the same time, it perhaps wasn’t really a game that either team deserved to win in what was a rather forgettable encounter. It was an interesting lineup though – Angelino returned, pulling on a blue shirt for the first team since his loan move from New York City. Likewise, Brandon Barker also made his first appearance after his spell at Rotherham came to an unceremoniously abrupt end. They reunited their strong partnership down the left, while over at right-back James Horsfield stepped in for Pablo Maffeo as he finalised the details of his loan move to FC Girona. Ash Smith-Brown stepped in at centre-back alongside Ellis Plummer in the absence of Adarabioyo and Humphreys, and ahead of those two sat Aleix Garcia as he anchored the midfield alongside George Glendon and Bersant Celina. Jorge Intima started on the right-wing and David Faupala stepped in upfront with Ambrose injured and Nmecha away ahead of the FA Youth Cup tie.

There wasn’t much of note in the first half. City dictated play, controlling the ball for most of the 45 minutes, but they couldn’t really break down an Everton defence that was all too happy to sit back and absorb the pressure. Celina did have a half chance, firing into the keeper’s hands after a scuffed Intima shot had fallen to him. Intima himself could have also scored, hitting the sidenetting after some nice linkup play between Horsfield and Faupala. Everton had their own golden chance too, but City were thankful to Angus Gunn who smartly kept out the visitors after a goal-mouth scramble, which kept the scores level at the break. Parity didn’t last long though, and the game’s solitary goal came immediately after the restart. Everton scored what was to be the eventual winner after thirty seconds, and it wasn’t pretty. A ball broke loose after a cross from the left, and a scuffed half-volley trickled in at the near post. It was disappointing, and despite City’s best efforts they couldn’t level proceedings. City did up the tempo, and Bersant Celina came the closest. He was left scratching his head after he somehow managed to strike the post from barely 5 yards. Isaac Buckley had done all the handwork, his pace had expertly taken him to the byeline and his pull-back deserved better. There was a few other promising moments, Barker in particular caused a bit of trouble down the left, but his lack of recent match practice meant his radar wasn’t quite as fine-tuned as normal and his final ball was lacking. It wasn’t to be and the game finished 1-0 to Everton.

It wasn’t a vintage performance, but it was understandable given the rather thrown together nature of the team. There was some positives. Barker, though initially rusty, and he did a pretty torrid first half, grew into the game and he looked like something approaching his usual brilliant best as he created three or four opportunities good moments with some powerful bursts forward. Angelino, too, looked a sprightly presence, clearly refreshed after a few weeks rest following his loan. He looked confident, and there was some of his trademark attacking forays as he tried to get City going. Aleix Garcia only lasted the first forty-five, but he was an assured, firm presence in the centre of midfield. He’s adapting to English football well and he’s clearly getting to grips with the more physical nature of the game. He’s clearly an exceptional footballer technically, and if he can add an almost Gareth Barry-esque cleverness to his game then he’ll be some prospect. Jorge Intima had a mixed game – the Portugese winger offered plenty of energy down the right, and his work rate was admirable, as it always is, but he also guilty of wasting a good chance. His delivery let him down when it mattered too. It didn’t really happen for Faupala. He ran the line well up top, but there was little for him to go off or run onto as City struggled to find space between the lines. Celina, clearly on a high from the weekend, looked lively, though it didn’t quite come off the technically gifted midfielder. There was a lack of any real intelligent movement around him on a night not really built for one touch intricacy. He should’ve scored though, and 9 out of 10 times he probably would have.

Glendon looked infinitely more comfortable when he was moved back to the holding mid position at half-time. He wasn’t bad as such in a more advanced position, but he perhaps isn’t the most natural of attackers and he reads the game well from a deeper position. Sinan Bytyqi sat just ahead of Glendon after he came on for Aleix Garcia at half-time, and it was something of a surprise to see him in the heart of midfield. He’s usually lined up out wide, or just off the striker, but he was a little deeper here as he looked to influence the game from the centre. He’s got the physique for it now at least. That spell on the sidelines has clearly seen him spend some time in the gym. He’s bigger, clearly. It wasn’t a notable runout, but he’s far from match fit so patience is needed, but his potential reinvention could be fascinating to witness. Horsfield had a good, solid game at right-back. He wasn’t tested much defensively, but there was a nice burst forward in the first half that lead to a chance that Intima squandered. Smith-Brown in the middle had a relatively solid game, likewise Plummer, but in truth they had little to do. A couple of stray passes aside, both were content to receive the ball from Gunn in a low-key night. Fernandes looked positive in his brief runout, dropping his shoulder with the same purposeful elegance he always does in the u18s, and Buckley, the u18s leading scorer this year, underlined his growing promise with a sprightly runout. He should’ve created the equaliser, but Celina squandered his good work as mentioned earlier. It was a night to forget in the end though for Simon Davies’ EDS team, but with all eyes firmly on the FA Youth Cup trip to Leeds on Thursday night, it was hard to expect too much else. That game at least should bring a few goals. Fingers crossed.

City u18s 1-0 Everton

City’s u18s kicked off the new year in style yesterday, winning 1-0 against a strong Everton side. This was never going to be an easy game either; Everton are a consistently good outfit at u18s level, and this generation is no exception. Everton sat in 2nd place at kick off, six points behind City, but crucially the Merseysiders had two games in hand. They comprehensively out-played Wilcox’s men in the away fixture too, running out convincing 3-1 winners back in October. They would have felt rightfully confident going into the game, but thankfully it wasn’t to be for the visitors. This was a lot closer and in the end City were good value for the three points. There was a little rustiness evident, but it was understandable. This was the first game back for both teams after the enforced break that youth football takes over the Christmas period – naturally some lacked a little sharpness and the first half was played out mainly at arm’s length. It was cagey affair as both teams prompted and probed with caution, with most attacks breaking down before they really reached boiling point. There were one or two decent moments – Everton nearly broke the deadlock, Grimshaw brilliantly tipping a header from five yards out around the post. City went close themselves as Nmecha headed Sarmiento’s delightful cross just over, and Will Patching had a beautiful 25 yard effort tipped onto the crossbar from a free-kick. Davenport stung the keeper’s hands too with a rasping drive from just outside the area, but it stayed 0-0 at the break.

The second half was a much livelier affair. Whatever was said worked, and City sparked into life immediately from the kick-off. City moved the ball quicker and used the width better. The encouraging pair of Dilrosun and the new boy, Sarmiento, down the left caused all manner of problems and it nearly led to a the opener as a couple of perfectly whipped crosses flashed across the six yard box, with Nmecha glancing one just wide. Everton eventually regained their composure, nearly scoring themselves with Grimshaw coming to the rescue, saving well in a one on one down to his right, but the introduction of Brahim and Buckley once again turned the tide in City’s favour. Both are blessed with an abundance of skill and pace, and it was immediately evident. Buckley was very good, a real live-wire, impishly darting across the backline as he frequently tried to get in behind the defence, and he nearly had a goal too. He fired inches wide of the far post after he’d been played through on goal. Nmecha did eventually grab the winner, however, and it came courtesy of a spot-kick after he had been brought down in the area following some battling work from Dilrosun. He stepped up, dusted himself off and sent the keeper the wrong way. It proved to be the winner as City held out until the final whistle, and it was just about deserved in the end. City were stoic, worked hard, and though they were by no means at their silky best, it was a performance built on determination and a real admirable focus.

It was an interesting lineup with a few surprises. Nemane and Adarabioyo, both EDS regulars these days, both stepped down a level and started amongst side their fellow u18s. Elsewhere, Sarmiento continued at left-back, Bullock came back in at right-back and Oliver partnered Adarabioyo at centre-half, with Grimshaw between the sticks behind them. Davenport took up the holding midfield role and Kongolo and Patching lined up ahead of him. Out wide, Dilrosun and Nemane flanked Nmecha in the middle. There was no Fernandes as he linked up with the EDS ahead of their game on Monday. Duhaney sat out too, likewise Diallo continued his recuperation from injury. Humphreys was away on first team duties and Brahim, Wood and Kigbu only made the bench. Grimshaw was good in goal, making two excellent saves in a generally confident all-round display. He's clearly growing in confidence and this was an encouraging display from the local lad. He was helped by a towering display from Charlie Oliver ahead of him. Oliver's had a quietly impressive season as he's grown into the team and he was good here yet again, reading the game well and distributing confidently as City built from the back. He's always been a warrior, never shirking from challenges, but he's starting to develop a real solid understanding of the game, positioning himself well as attacks form. Encouraging stuff. Adarabioyo wasn't his usual self, disappointingly. It was a mixed performance from the England u19 centre-back, with his usually exceptional high standards falling a little short. He was twice turned far too easily by Everton's centre-forward and a little sloppy in possession. There was some good though, and one effortless last-ditch challenge highlighted his immense ability.

Sarmiento was once again promising at left-back in only his second start for the club. He’s clearly adept at going forward, a real natural footballer blessed with wonderful feet. He went on a few darting, mazy runs as he drove infield right at the heart of Everton’s defence and he was frequently the catalyst for City upping the tempo. Defensively there’s work to be done, as there tends to be with most attacking full-backs, but the talent is there and he should be some player when he fully settles into the English life. Bullock wasn’t at his all action best over on the right, but he did have his moments, linking up with Buckley in the second half and he defended well whenever Everton stepped it up. Davenport was good, sweeping up intelligently whenever the opposition tried to break. There was the odd moment where he perhaps naively followed the ball and not the man, but he’s a promising young player and he’s learning every week, and this was another nuanced, competent display. Kongolo was all effort, and there was one or two nice drives through midfield as he used his athleticism to run past Everton’s midfield.

Patching was solid, perhaps not at graceful best, yet he worked hard and did nearly get on the scoresheet with a moment of magic. Dilrosun was impressive on the left, working tirelessly and he gave their right-back a difficult time with his persistent strong runs. He’s become a real effective winger, something different to the vast majority of wide players these days, and it’s welcome to see. Nemane had a quiet game on the right before he was replaced by Buckley who got plenty of joy up against Everton’s tiring legs. Nmecha was decent, his movement as sharp as ever, though there was a few touches that did escape him, yet he continually worked well up front, frequently showing for the ball as he ran the line tirelessly. Brahim was only a second half substitute and he looked sharp, even if things didn’t quite come off for the gifted young attacking midfielder, but like the rest he played his part as City held on for a deserved win in what ended up a satisfying start to 2016 for Jason Wilcox’s u18s. City are now six points clear having played two more games, and we’ll likely top the North Division before the split is made in a few weeks time. Next up, a trip to Newcastle next Saturday.

EDS Watch - Bersant Celina 1st team debut

Bersant Celina made his first-team debut today as City strolled to a 3-0 victory at Norwich in the FA Cup, and though it was only for just under ten minutes, it was deserved. I'd be waiting for this moment for some months now, and it was a great relief that the nineteen-year-old finally made his domestic appearance. The young attacking midfielder is a wonderfully graceful little footballer, the kind that would fit into the first team's pass and move style with ease. Elegant, skilful, always with an eye for the spectacular – he’s been a regular for the EDS this season and was a huge part of last season’s run to the FA Youth Cup final. He’s capable of playing in a whole host of positions across the attacking third. Nominally at the peak of a midfield three, he’s also played as a false 9 for the recently formed Kosovo national side, and he’s also lined up out wide for the EDS, acquitting himself well in all roles. This debut was long overdue. 

Though far from the finished article, and most young attackers never are at 19, there is clearly a huge amount of ability within those boots of his, with vast potential for greater things. If he learns to assert himself in a more physical environment, and also learns how to contribute when the team is in something of a fallow spell, then he’ll go far. There are no doubts technically. He’s at his best when the team is confident around him, dropping into space and playing excellent little one-twos in and around the area. The kind of player who would appreciate the talents of Silva and co. He’s a magnificent free-kick taker too – think Yaya’s free-kicks when he went through that brilliant spell of scoring seemingly every other game. He clips the ball over the wall expertly, a real, clean finisher. Celina has done this repeatedly at youth level.

The signs are encouraging, and with experience and a little luck there’s the potential for him to contribute to City’s fortunes in the coming years. For now a loan possibly awaits away from the club, but we can’t underestimate how important steps like today are. These youth players need that experience. That teaser, the carrot on the stick. It eases them in, shows them what it could be like for them in the future and it alleviates any initially understandable nerves that they may have. Thankfully, Celina is a confident player – evident in his two snapshots at goal despite being on the pitch for a handful of minutes – but others aren’t. That’s fine, either way. The important thing is pushing these players out of their comfort zone one by one. This is a step in the right direction. More of the same please, Manuel.

EDS Loan Report 2015 pt 2

Following on from Friday's piece, which featured Evans, Ntcham, Zuculini, Yeboah, Horsfield and Byrne, I’ve taken a closer look at the seven remaining loan players. Brandon Barker, Jason Denayer, Shay Facey, Angelino, Seko Fofana, Ian Lawlor and Enes Unal are all featured. As ever, it’s been a mixed bag, which is the norm for loans, regardless of the player’s ability. There’s seemingly an underlying train of thought from most that would lead you to believe that for a loan to have been successful, a player must have excelled during their temporary move. This, in general, isn’t necessarily fair or true. Successful loans, on the surface at least, are a rarity. Given the nature of the move, the chances of a player becoming one of the star players almost immediately is highly unlikely, even if they are exceptionally talented. That’s the case for players of any age, be it 18, 25 or 34. There are countless examples of players taking several months to adapt to a new team or environment. It took months before Yaya Toure found his feet in Mancini’s team initially for example. It’s only natural.

Now bear in mind that these are young men, most hugely inexperienced, and it’s only reasonable to expect that things will be a little tricky. A youth loan isn’t about being the key man, creating goals or being a match-winner. That’s great, obviously, and it will happen sometimes, but it isn’t always about that. These moves are designed to test whether the player can adapt to the increased physicality and pressure that comes with professional football. If they’re a little quiet in terms of their influence, so be it, but the important thing is that they don’t look out of place. A club can tell if a young player can handle themselves amongst adults, but perhaps isn’t necessarily connecting with the team through various reasons, be it stylistically or tactically. The players are at Manchester City, so they’re certainly already very capable footballers, technically speaking. The performances will come later when the player has found their feet in the right setup around them. It’s all too easy to dismiss a low-key move as a failure, when it often isn’t the case at all. A young David Silva would most certainly struggle in League One, with his teammates likely on a different wavelength entirely, but the club will know and understand that. Elite prospects develop best alongside elite players with elite coaches, not out on loan. Loans are temporary, designed to test them in a certain way. These moves need to be viewed with those thoughts in mind. With that in mind, on to the players.

And here's @BrandonBarker96 doing his thing... #mcfc 🔥 https://t.co/prB9i7zOvr

— In Esteemed Kompany (@EsteemedKompany) November 7, 2015

Brandon Barker

A curious one, and a perfect example of how depressingly bleak the loan system can be. Exceptionally talented, and arguably the star of last season’s EDS team, it was perhaps surprising that Barker didn’t get the slightly more glamorous loan that his talents deserved – Byrne went to Cambuur, Ntcham joined Genoa, and Angelino left to the glitzy world of the MLS. Barker ended up in a relegation dogfight at Rotherham United. So be it. Even more surprising was the outcome. The winger was named in the starting XI immediately by Neil Redfearn and though Rotherham lost 5-2, he left the pitch as their MOTM having scored a stunning long range strike. Promising, and enough to whet the appetites of the Rotherham faithful. And then he disappeared. He was benched for four games in a row before City recalled him. Hugely baffling and most certainly undeserving, it showed just how unpredictable loans can be – ones to the Championship in particular. There was rumours that club politics came into it; their left midfielder met with Redfearn, bemoaned his lack of an appearance fee and just like that, he was back in the team. It wouldn’t be surprising, and it won’t be the last time a loan move will turn sour through no fault of a player’s own. Either it way, it happened. For now, Barker is back at City. Perhaps January will be kinder to the hugely talented winger and he can pick up a move where he can test himself in a better environment. He deserves it.

Jason Denayer

It’s been a stop-start move so for the exceptionally talented defender. He joined Galatasaray at the start of the season and he was initially thrust into the team at centre-back, before moving over to right-back as their usual choice picked up an injury. He was good, performing with the same assured brilliance that those who’ve watched him closely had come to expect. Technically magnificent, intelligent and composed, he used all his skills to great effect as he slotted in naturally. He was by no means the star man, yet he was performing more than admirably in a position he had no prior experience in. It was encouraging, yet, typically, misfortune struck and his progress slowed. The curse of the Etihad’s injury list seemingly struck the young defender down from a distance and a spell on the sidelines followed. He’s had a couple of niggling setbacks and so far his appearances have been limited. 2016 should hopefully see him free of any knocks and he’s expected to return to full training any time now. There was calls from some quarters for City to recall him as Kompany broke down once again, though I’d be surprised if this an option. Only in exceptional circumstances can clubs recall players from a season long loan. It has to be written into a contract prior, and this is extremely rare. With a little luck, a strong run of games will perhaps be the platform he needs, and deserves, to convince those in charge that he can be a huge part of City’s squad rehabilitation over the summer, especially with the ageing Demichelis surely on his way.

Enes Unal

The eighteen-year-old Turkish striker has found life a little testing in Belgium. He moved to Genk after work permit problems meant he couldn’t kick-start his career over in Manchester. He’s been a regular in the squad, but mainly as an impact sub. There’s been twelve appearances in total, which is a decent amount, yet he’s only managed three starts so far. He has however scored a couple of times, despite mostly being introduced late on to freshen things up. It’s a little hard to gauge his performances, what with the paucity of information available online, but one thing that is for certain is that time is still on his side. He doesn’t turn nineteen until May and he’s an intelligent, considered player if his interviews are anything to go by. He’ll hope for more in the new year.

Ian Lawlor

Life has been good to the Irish u21 keeper so far this season. He spent the vast majority of last season out injured in what proved to be a hugely frustrating campaign. A small twist of fate saw him back in goal for the EDS as his main rival, the hugely talented Angus Gunn, picked up a small knock of his own. He impressed as City’s u21s beat Chelsea 2-0 in a televised game on Sky Sports, and that display, plus his already good reputation gained from representing Ireland’s u21s, saw him join Barnet a couple of weeks back as an emergency loan move. He’s done well so far, with the scorelines perhaps unfairly representative of his performances. He made a whole host of saves as Barnet claimed a 4-2 victory at Shrewsbury, and he pulled off a stunning save too as Barnet beat Newport 2-0. It hasn’t been all perfect, however. There’s been some slight hesitancy – the kind that plagues any youngster as he makes his professional league bow, but in general its been a promising move and his confidence has visibly grown with each game. He’s warmed himself to Barnet’s fans and its a move that will act as a nice starting point to his career.

Helluva double save from @ianlawlor 🙌🏼 ...Ireland and City u21 on loan at Barnet. https://t.co/ijrhIEWdku

— In Esteemed Kompany (@EsteemedKompany) January 3, 2016

Seko Fofana

Fofana’s done well so far at Bastia. Whether it’ll be enough to further his career at City remains to be seen, but he’s clearly improved as a player. His time at Fulham last year was hit and miss, in and out of the team as Fulham fought relegation. He was likeable, all energy and full of boundless, powerful runs, but it often wasn’t enough to rely on as the Cottagers craved more experienced heads and consequently he spent a lot of time on the bench. Bastia seem to be caught up in a similar predicament, yet Fofana’s been a mainstay, encouragingly praised for his tactical awareness and calm displays at the heart of midfield. He’s always had raw talent, plenty of it in fact. Yet it was his composure that often let him down, but the signs are good. I’ve caught a couple of games and he’s playing with considerably more intelligence, positioning himself well, sitting far deeper than he ever did for City’s EDS and Fulham. A little more Yaya-like, if you like, dictating play from deep. He’s becoming a key figure at Bastia and that will surely only help his development as he gains a sense of seniority and belief in his own abilities. With 17 starts already, and still only aged twenty, he’ll surely continue to improve. He’ll have to reach a high level if he’s to succeed at City, but there’s time yet.

Angelino & Shay Facey

Angelino and Shay Facey returned to City from New York in November as their loan spells ended. It was a curious move for Angelino. It started well, yet it ended on a relatively lower note. His initial energy gave way to some uncharacteristically conservative displays, with his all-action approach seemingly fading a little as the weeks passed. Given his age, it was no surprise, and it could have been entirely circumstantial too. The MLS is a tough league, in the sense that it’s a crazy one. There’s very little organisation over there and games often resembled a basketball match. Free for alls, with little cohesion or sense. He’s surely learned something, though it’s unlikely to be defensively – those around him offered little in that field and he looked far too naive around his own area at times. It’s a shame as it is the one side of his game that he needs to work on. He’s clearly a very good footballer – his four assists being clear proof. He shuttled forward well, adding a huge amount of skill and intelligence to New York’s attacks, yet we knew that already. The next move will be crucial. He’ll be physically stronger than he was, at very least, but you can’t help but think what he would have learned playing in a settled, organised back four for a few months. A lesson learned perhaps.

As it stands Angelino’s back training with City’s first team as he’s currently ineligible to play until January due to the stipulations of his loan. I’d suspect Angelino will move again, and rightly so. Facey already has. He confirmed a loan move to Rotherham until the end of season on Saturday morning and he was immediately thrust into the starting eleven at right-back. Though Rotherham lost 2-1, going down to a last minute own goal, he drew praise from Neil Redfearn for his energy, reading of the game and tenacity. It’s an interesting move, especially considering how Barker’s loan panned out there, but I guess there’s enough trust from City to allow Neil Redfearn a second player. How he develops in the Championship will be fascinating. He was functional at NYCFC, usually played at centre-back, where he went through a similar run of form to Angelino. He started well, then struggled a little as his inexperience showed, clearly in dire need of a composed, wiser head alongside him. Facey was good when played at right-back for the EDS, and it was heartening to see him start there for Rotherham. He seems to have all the attributes to excel out wide. Fast, tenacious and good on the ball, perhaps a little Trippier-esque. The Championship is a tough league, and Rotherham are struggling too, so it’ll be a baptism of fire so to speak, but his debut showed some promising signs and he’ll learn a lot. I had initially suspected Vieira may have decided to bring him back to NYCFC but for now that won’t be the case. He’s still only twenty and he signed a two-year contract when he returned to City, so the door clearly isn’t closed on him yet at the Etihad. Time will tell.

Elsewhere, I wouldn’t be surprised if Vieira takes another one or two with him – there’s rumours that Pablo Maffeo has been lined up to make the move. That’d be a tad disappointing from a personal perspective. I don’t mind then MLS, but I think he deserves better, even a shot in the first team given his excellent EDS form, or perhaps a move to a strong European league. Hopefully under close watch from City the move could run a lot smoother. If that comes to fruition, don’t be surprised to see another of his EDS teammates join him come the start of the season. NYCFC, though a team in its own right, will clearly be used as a sort of finishing school for City. The ties with Girona in Spain are intriguing too, especially given Pere Guardiola’s involvement at the club. Pep’s brother, of course.

If injuries subside, expect loan moves for a few of the EDS’s stalwarts. Ambrose, Aleix Garcia and Kean Bryan are all out injured, so they won’t be going anywhere, and that may also put on hold any temporary moves for the likes of Celina and Glendon, even Bytiqi who has now recovered from his injury problems. There simply isn’t the numbers in reserve otherwise. Still, do expect more to move on over the next couple of months. Barker will likely move out again. Roberts, too, has spent far too much time watching from the sidelines and his game has stagnated recently which is understandable given his lack of competitive football. The experience is necessary, and they will surely get it in due course. If, and when, it happens, there will be reports on here following their progress.

EDS Loan Report 2015 pt 1

A few months into the season and we're already seeing how tempestuous the loan market can be. A real topsy turvy affair - though some have flourished, others have found that the supposed guarantees of first team football away from the Etihad aren't always quite what they appear, often nothing more than a fickle, tempting mistress. It's a cruel market, yet a necessary one as City look to give their youngsters the experience they need. This is the first of a regular feature, with the second coming tomorrow, that will hopefully take a closer look at the success, or lack of, of those out on loan.

A fair few of City's youngsters have looked to spread their fledgling wings. George Evans, James Horsfield, Jack Byrne, Brandon Barker, Jason Denayer, Seko Fofana and Oliver Ntcham, to name a handful. It's been mixed, to put it simply. It'd be short-sighted to use the lack of success during a loan spell as a true reflection of a player's ability however. It's a complicated matter - the players are young, often away from friends and family and they're immediately thrust into an alien environment amongst players they often know little about, in a team that won't work how they're used to. There's a whole host of extraneous variables that are outside of the club's control. That's not to say the player will always be blameless, but it's worth considering. Harry Kane made no lasting impression during any of his loans, yet look at him now. It happens. Potentially great players can be lost to a poor move, and its impossible to accurately predict. In an ideal world the club would keep the players in-house where they could hone them in a competitive environment that they can control, but unless B-teams are ever introduced that simply isn't possible. There will be successes, and there seemingly has been, but for every hit, there will likely be a miss. For now though, this will have to do.

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George Evans

Starting on a positive note, George Evans’ move has been an undoubted success. Evans joined the Midlands club initially on a short term deal before the move was extended to the middle of January. He’s been a breath of fresh air, impressing with some imposing performances as Walsall stormed to the top of League One. It’s highly encouraging – exactly what he needed. There has never been any doubts about Evans’ ability on the ball. He’s a composed, technically proficient midfielder. Very neat and measured. Yet there’s always been a question mark hanging over his head whether he had that little something extra, an x-factor if you like, to make him really standout and warrant an inclusion in the first team’s plans. Buoyed by making his debut for City in the Carling Cup he’s taken that confidence with him to the Bescott Stadium. He’s seemingly adding goals and assists to his game, wracking up four strikes, and match-winning ones too. He’s thriving, revelling in the competitive environment around him, and he’s growing physically. He’s tall, strong, has a good turn of pace and he can pass, tackle and now, seemingly, he can finish. There’s only a year and a half between him and Dele Alli, though there’s a world of experience between them professionally. In contrast to Evans, Alli was a regular from a young age for Milton Keynes, excelling as a goalscoring threat for a League One side. Evans is doing the same now, and he’s still young. It remains to be seen whether Evans will get that chance at City, but he certainly couldn’t be doing anymore as it stands.

His 3rd in 4 games. Great strike too - @GeorgeEvans70 is loving life at Walsall... https://t.co/Fg4rZpFt8D

— In Esteemed Kompany (@EsteemedKompany) November 7, 2015

Bruno Zuculini

A mixed spell. Zuculini moved to Middlesbrough back at the start of November, and like Evans, he was immediately thrust into the limelight. He did well. Boro fans were impressed, citing his drive and box-to-box game as real positives. Since then things have gone downhill a tad. He’s become something of a squad player with only three starts alongside two substitute appearances. He’s not looked out of place, but he’s since been shunted aside for those returning from injury who there before he arrived. Understandable, really, though not what City would have hoped. It’s almost certainly another nail in the coffin of what was always a curious signing. He looked encouraging during his preseason games, yet a disastrous loan spell at Valencia, followed by another at Cordoba, has lowered expectations and all signs seem to point towards a summer exit. That might not happen. He could stay and a miracle could happen, and it’d be a welcome one too as he seems a likeable player, but the loans move so far haven’t suggested otherwise.

Jack Byrne

The Irish attacking midfielder had a slow start to life in Holland. Injuries limited his initial involvement as he frustratedly watched on from the sidelines. Thankfully, since returning he’s been a regular, impressing with some encouraging displays. He clearly isn’t out of place technically, that much was evident from the off. Byrne’s a very tidy footballer. He’s an excellent passer and he gets forward well, and he gained the notable honour of becoming Cambuur’s youngest ever Eredivise goalscorer when he scored his first ever professional goal in a 4-1 win over Excelsior. It was good too; a lovely little one-two saw him burst into the box before finishing coolly to the keeper’s left. He made headlines with his passing too, completing 55 out of the 56 passes he attempted. Impressive stuff, and the winter break arguably came too soon for him and Cambuur as the team picked up form. They ended 2015 with two strong wins, a 3-1 win against NEC and a 4-1 win at Excelsior. Byrne played an integral part in both. This move could do him a world of good. There are no doubts regarding his ability, and if he can find a way to assert himself when the team isn’t as on top as much as they’d like to be, then he’ll have everything on paper. He needed this professional experience to see if he can hack it amongst men, as opposed to the u21s he’s used to. He can. A strong finish to the campaign, and its possible seeing as he’s clearly settling in at this level, will mark him out as an interesting proposition come the summer time.

James Horsfield

The twenty year old local lad made his first steps into professional football with Doncaster Rovers after joining the League One side at the back end of September. A strong, committed defender, also capable of playing in a host of positions across midfield, Horsfield made three appearances, mostly at right-back, before he returned to City. It was a low-key move, with an initial solid debut display giving way to some slightly nervy performances, based off the impressions of some of Doncaster’s supporters anyway. Understandable considering it was his first steps into professional football. The experience would have surely been vital for the young defender though, and he was a surprise inclusion on the bench for the first team against Leicester City. Another temporary move away from the CFA in January could be a possibility.

Olivier Ntcham

Ntcham started like a house on fire for Genoa. All power and bluster, he earned rave reviews in his first few games as he took to life in Serie A with relish. He was surprisingly labelled as the new Pogba - clearly an overreaction, but he did turn heads and the comparisons are understandable, if a little lazy. Both are tall, athletic French midfielders with an eye for the spectacular. That's where the similarities end, for now at least. Ntcham is raw. Very. Naturally, things have tailed off a little. This is to be expected. He's young. It's easy to forget given his foreboding physique, but Ntcham is still only 19. He turns twenty in February, and by that point it's likely that he will have made fifteen, if not more, appearances for a good Italian team in a tough league. That's heartening, and it'll surely bode him well as he looks to firmly establish himself next year at Genoa as a regular in the second half of his two year loan. The fire may have dampened a little at the moment, but that is hardly surprising for any player making his first steps into the professional game. Patience is needed, and he'll get it too.

Yaw Yeboah

A curious one. There's seemingly a never-ending line of talented young African players who seem to flit on and out of the Etihad. Yeboah's the latest. Whether he'll disappear like a lot of them seemingly do isn't certain yet, but there's promise here. The club picked up the young forward after he was named the 'Most Valuable Player' at the African u20s championships for Ghana. He trained with City's first team before moving to Lille on loan at the start of the campaign. Initially with Lille's second team, he was recently afforded a shot at the big time after spending several games as an unused sub. He's made a handful of appearances so far in Ligue 1 and reports suggest he's a bright player with some calls from fans for further involvement. Skilful and direct, and strong, if a little small, he's impressed in his cameos playing off the striker. Still only eighteen, miles away from home and in a country with a language he doesn't speak, it's been a very solid start to life in France all considering.

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Part 2, featuring Jason Denayer, Seko Fofana, Brandon Barker, Angelino, Enes Unal, Ian Lawlor and Shay Facey will be posted tomorrow.

Stoke City 2-3 City u18s

This was a tough game. You'd have been forgiven for thinking that this would have been something of a walk in the park for City's u18s. They've been irrepressible recently, riding high at the top of the league as Stoke watched bleakly on from the foot of the table. On paper it didn't bode well for the midlands club, yet, typically, they took the lead within two minutes. It was a real sucker punch too, a soft, avoidable goal that followed some questionable defending. Duhaney was initially guilty, poorly heading the ball backwards straight into the path of on-rushing Stoke forward. He broke down the left, cut in and somehow managed to score from a nearly impossible angle - the shot tamely trickling past Haug at the near post. It was unexpected, and it set the tone for a frustrating hour for City. Stoke sat back, happy to invite Wilcox's team onto them, and it proved a test of patience as the game broke into an extended game of attack versus defence. There was some chances, Fernandes and Davenport both stinging the keeper's hands, Buckley went near too, hitting the side netting from just inside the area, but City couldn't break the deadlock and went in behind at half-time.

The pattern repeated well into the second half. Nmecha was brought on at the interval, and he nearly levelled things moments after the kick-off, just missing a drilled Dilrosun cross-shot as it flashed by. Eventually the persistence told, and it came from an unlikely source too. Rodney Kongolo broke character and wandered forward, and he was the first to react to a deep Dilrosun cross as he volleyed home to the keeper's right. Barely ten minutes later and City had their noses deservedly in front. Patching drove forward through midfield before spreading the ball out wide to Dilrosun. He looked up and curled in a delightful first time cross to Nmecha who fired into the roof of the net from six yards out. It should have been comfortable from that point. Sadly, it wasn't. City once again switched off, allowing Stoke far too much time on the ball and an equaliser came against the run of play. A low cross in from the right lead to a swept finish past the helpless Haug. Credit where it's due, City struck back immediately. With more or less his first real involvement, the substitute Brahim drove straight at their right-back and he was brought down in the area. Nmecha missed the resulting penalty, but his blushes were spared when Isaac Buckley picked up the ball ten yards from goal and fired through the defender's legs into the bottom left-hand corner with barely a minute left. Cue pandemonium in the blue dugout and the referees whistle barely seconds later.

Erik Sarmiento was impressive. The summer signing from Espanyol has had to sit on the sidelines while he waited for international clearance and this was his first full start at this level. He was very encouraging at left-back, typically Spanish with his distrubition - sharp, precise and intelligent. He was effective going forward too, twice setting off on marauding runs that saw him swerve past three or four challenges as he drove into Stoke's half. A promising debut, and clearly a very exciting player. Duhaney had a slightly quieter game over on the right, though that's understandable seeing as he's spent most of the season on the opposite flank. Humphreys had a mixed game, sometimes impressive and strong in the challenge, he was also caught out on a couple of occasions as the defensive line didn't quite get the offside trap right. Likewise Oliver, though the centre-half did put in some impressively strong challenges, twice sending Stoke players flying - albeit fairly. Davenport was good in midfield, keeping things ticking over as City pressed, and he pushed forward whenever he could too. Kongolo was similarly effective, bustling about to good effective in a nitty gritty midfield battle. He took his goal well and if he can continue adding goals to his game he'll go up another level.

Patching cut a slightly frustrated figure in the first half, though his influence grew as Stoke tired and it was his forthright play that lead to the second goal. He turned well and quickly drove at Stoke which left them out of position for the eventual Dilrosun cross. He's capable of this, and it was good to see his positivity rewarded. Fernandes wasn't his usually exciting flamboyant self, and despite a couple of decent moments he found himself crowded out as Stoke sat back. He was replaced at half-time for Nmecha, who went up-front with Buckley moving wide. Nmecha immediately offered a much more natural threat up top. His movement and intelligence, combined with a natural striker's instinct, and a greater threat out wide as Wilcox audibly encouraged Dilrosun and Buckley to hug the touchline, helped City turn the tide. He should have had a couple of goals at least, weakly seeing his penalty saved, but it didn't matter in the end as City collected all three points. Buckley struggled a little in the first half - he's the kind of player that revels in running in behind defenders, yet Stoke sat incredibly deep and it was notable that he was much more at ease when he switched out wide to the right in second half. It was a move that allowed him to have a run at his fullback one on one, and that eventually won the game for City as he isolated his defender, cut inside him and finished in his usual, emphatic style. I do prefer Buckley out wide, personally.

Brahim was only a substitute, replacing Dilrosun for the last ten minutes. He made an immediate impact though, setting off on a trademark run that lead to a foul by their right-back and a penalty. He was good, as ever, and played his part as City attacked with intensity and struck the late winner. Dele-Bashiru had little time to make an impact, yet settled in well as City held out. It was an intriguing game, and another example of the admirable character that the academy coaches have instilled into these players. They never know when they're beaten and it spoke volumes that despite Stoke equalising, and Nmecha missing that penalty, I still knew City would win. It just felt inevitable, as often is the case at this level. The u18s pull it out of the bag when it matters. They've lost once all season, and it's not hard to see why. It's all very well being exceptionally talented, but the work ethic is needed, as is self-belief and a commitment to the game plan. These players have that in abundance. This result put City three points clear of Everton at the top of the table, though the merseysiders do have two games in hand. The clubs meet on the 9th of January which should be a fascinating encounter. Elsewhere, the u16s carried on their remarkable run of form. They were exceptional as they trounced Stoke 6-0. Tyrese Campbell bagged four, taking his tally to 29 for the season…in December. Jadon Sancho and an own goal gave the scoreline sufficient gloss. It's some generation that. One we'll surely see a lot of in the next couple of years. There's no football over christmas for the academy teams, disappointingly, so there will be a small break on here most likely, but look out for a few pieces on loans and so on. Have a lovely christmas all!

FA Youth Cup Preview & Analysis

City's u18s started their FA Youth Cup campaign on Tuesday night, earning a 2-1 victory down on the south coast against Portsmouth. Brahim Diaz won the game late on, scoring a magnificent solo goal in a game that City should have won at a canter.  City were irrepressible, yet they spurned countless glorious chances to add a deserved gloss to the scoreline. Lukas Nmecha had initially opened the deadlock early in the first half before Portsmouth made City rue their wastefulness and grabbed a predictable equaliser. Harvey Bradbury, the son of former City striker, Lee, levelled proceedings mid-way through the second forty-five before the current man of the hour, Brahim Diaz, clinched victory with a piece of individual brilliance. It set up a fourth round tie with Leeds United in January ahead of what could be the start of something hugely promising. This is a highly talented squad with numerous players vying for a starting spot and Wilcox and his group will fancy their chances of matching last year's run to the final at very least. This felt like a good opportunity to take a closer look at the players involved, the set-up and the likely approach Wilcox will take this year.

To put it simply, the options available to Wilcox are ridiculously strong, and hugely varied too. The club are rightly taking this competition seriously, and they're following last year's ideology that saw the eligible EDS players integrated with the current standouts from the u18s league campaign. Aaron Nemane, Cameron Humphreys, Rodney Kongolo and Tosin Adarabioyo are all very much EDS regulars these days, despite their youth, yet they dropped back on Monday to work with Wilcox and will continue to do so throughout the duration of this competition. The formation the club instills throughout the academy set-up, a fluid, attacking 4-3-3, facilitates this pretty well, allowing players to move up through the age groups seamlessly, fully knowing what's expected of them in their roles. A player can move from the 16s to the u21s and slot in with ease, theoretically. And it was was no different on Monday night, Daniel Grimshaw sat behind a back four of Demeaco Duhaney, Tosin Adarabioyo, Charlie Oliver and Jacob Davenport. Ahead of them, Marcus Wood and Rodney Kongolo anchored the midfield with Brahim Diaz pushing on, and the front three consisted of Javairo Dilrosun and Aaron Nemane either side of Lukas Nmecha. Different names, but the same system. It was a strong line-up, with an equally as strong bench too. Haug, Dele-Bashiru, Fernandes, Buckley and Humphreys made up the numbers.

Grimshaw is the current number one, and it was a pretty simple decision to give him the starting spot. The Manchester born keeper has usually been the first choice for the u18s this year, and he's played well, yet he's ably supported by the tatlented Kjeti Haug, who's impressed when afforded the chance. Charlie Albinson, I think, is overage for this so there will no involvement there. If so, there's the promise of the u16's Joseph Hilton in reserve, plus the u15s keeper, Curtis Anderson - currently England u16s first choice. At right back it seems a clear choice between Demeacho Duhaney and Callum Bullock. Duhaney usually lines up on the left for the u18s, despite being naturally right-footed, yet he started on the right against Portsmouth, with Bullock nowhere to be seen. Perhaps an injury forced the change. Either way, both are strong options. Bullock's shone for the u18s this year - a tough, committed defender with an excellent cross, he's capable of bustling back and forth all day long. Duhaney is very much the modern full-back, at his best gliding forward with pace, all fleet-footed and technically proficient. Jacob Davenport is an option at left-back, and he started there on Tuesday, though usually he's a holding midfielder. His intelligent reading of the game suits the role well, likewise Marcus Wood, also a midfielder, who's stood in at left-back a few times this season. Lewis Blackshaw, a whippet-like first year scholar with boundless energy, has impressed when afforded an opportunity and there's the new Spanish import, Erik Sarmiento, now eligible. He made his debut for the EDS on Monday night and could be another left-back option. He looked encouraging in his brief run-out. 

At centre-mid there's huge competition for places. Marcus Wood is yet another with leadership qualities. The Sale born midfielder is a really likable player - he's a commanding influence and he offers plenty of drive in the heart of midfielder. Rodney Kongolo, one of the more experienced members of the team and a frequent member of Patrick Vieira's EDS teams this season, was chosen alongside him on Tuesday. He brings plenty of energy, desire and a solid box-to-box game. Jacob Davenport, when not at left-back, is a likely option too. He's great there, expertly snuffing out danger as it develops. Injury ruled out Manu Garcia, yet he might've not been involved anyway. Certainly eligible, the exceptionally talented young Spanish midfielder has been an EDS regular and on the periphery of the first-team this season, so his involvement may be circumstantial. However, given Adarabioyo and Nemane's involvement, you'd expect he would be. And rightly so. Only a substitute last year at this level, the gifted playmaker will be a key figure when fit and one of the team's stars. For now though, Brahim Diaz is the go-to option at the peak of midfield three. A real gem, mercurial and with an eye for the spectacular, the sixteen year old with the huge reputation has really come alive for the u18s now after a few weeks feeling his way in. He looks marvellous. Think Kinkladze with Tevez's attitude. He's only young, but like Garcia, he has the world at his feet.

Manu Garcia

Will Patching was surprisingly absent on Tuesday, though he was involved with the EDS on Monday night. Whether this is permanent, time will tell, and it could have just been a necessity given the paucity of options that Simon Davies had available to him with injuries to the Garcias, Manu and Aleix, and Kean Bryan. Either way, Patching is a fantastic talent. Graceful, skilful and a beautifully gifted midfielder, he'll be a key man if used. Sadou Diallo is another brilliant young midfielder. Composed and measured, the England youth international has been a regular at the heart of midfield down at the CFA, and it speaks volumes for the talent around him that he may have a fight on his hands to gain a starting spot. Tom Dele-Bashiru is fast becoming something of a mainstay of the the u18s squad, despite still being an u16. It's no surprise. He's a beast, a true powerhouse of a midfielder, capable of driving through midfield with a real ferocity, with a finish to match it too. Given his age, he may just find himself as an impact sub at this level, but he'll prove some option. His u16 partner, Matt Smith, the current Welsh u17 captain, is another exceptionally gifted, well-rounded midfielder and after making his u18s debut the other week, he could be another who finds himself involved eventually.

Out wide City are stocked full of attacking talent. A regular last year, and a current starter for the EDS, Nemane is still eligible. It's easy to forget how young some of these players are, and Nemane is a prime example. A stocky, small winger, he's a real handful with a great low centre of gravity and dangerous turn of pace. At this level he'll prove a real goal-scoring menace on either wing. With Nemane on the right, Javairo Dilrosun started on the left, and it's been a great year so far for the Dutch forward. He struggled a little at times last year in his debut season, but he's settled into life in Manchester well this year and he's been excellent all season. A tricky old school winger, he's capable of running the length of the pitch with his powerful, lung-bursting runs. He's added a goal threat too this season and I suspect he'll be a regular here. Fernandes is another wonderful player. In most teams the Spanish winger would be a star, yet here he's just another one of several gems. Impossibly tricky and a genuinely top class finisher with either foot, he's destroyed countless left-backs this season despite his small frame. So has Isaac Buckley. Equally capable through the middle as a number 9, and I suspect that's where he'll often find himself, Buckley, like Fernandes, is a a real livewire. Both are absolutely exceptional at dropping their shoulder and bursting past their opponent, with their goal tallies being clear proof.

Jadon Sancho is the dark horse, still only really an u16, the mesmerising forward has made his debut for the u18s this year, scoring two on his first full appearance, and he's proved a star at youth level so far. He models himself on Neymar, and it tells. If he carries on his progress, don't be surprised to see him involved later on in the campaign. Lukas Nmecha is the current first choice up top, and rightly so. Nmecha is a exceptional talent. Already a regular for the EDS, despite only turning 17 last week, Nmecha has a hatful of goals this season and it's not hard to see why. He possesses a real striker's instinct, always in the right place, and he's technically great too. His close control and ability to twist and turn in tight situations brings to mind players like Anelka and Berbatov, and it makes perfect sense that the club are already testing him at u21 level. Zack Faour will most likely be the backup choice behind Buckley and Nmecha, and though he hasn't perhaps quite lived up to the hype that surrounded his transfer, he had started the season relatively well before disappearing recently. Joe Hardy has been involved sporadically for the u18s this season, and you do feel for him given the vast pool of talent around him, but he's another with a good reputation and he may be used at some point. Further down the ranks, Luke Bolton and Tyrese Campbell are repeatedly tearing things up at u16 level, and I wouldn't be surprised if either followed the examples set by Tom Dele-Bashiru and Jadon Sancho this season.

It's a huge squad, but a talented one. City are among the favourites for this competition and so they should be. This is a team with hundreds of possible combinations of personnel, and Wilcox has numerous ways of setting up with every game. With pace, think Brahim, Fernandes, Buckley and Dilrosun, or with strength and power - Wood, Kongolo, Diallo etc, there's different approaches depending on the opposition, and it'll prove incredibly useful. Given the high profile of the competition, with last year's FA Youth Cup having plenty of support on television, it could prove to be a breakout year for some of the players involved. It's a huge platform for many and providing there's a real hunger and thirst from the squad, it could end spectacularly well. Expect there to be some rotation, and it'll be interesting to see if Manu Garcia is used when returned, especially considering he'll be vying for a spot against the likes of Patching and Brahim. I suspect he will, but I don't envy Wilcox - I wouldn't know where to start when choosing this team, yet its a nice dilemma to have. I suspect we'll know a lot more by the time the next game comes around. The date of the Leeds game has been set as the 16th of January, at Elland Road too, but these dates are often provisional with matches often rearranged at this level. As ever, there will be full reports of each game on the blog as it happens. Next up, Stoke for the u18s away on Saturday.