It is time for Manchester City’s academy players to make a mark | OneFootball

Manchester City face a tricky Premier League fixture this Saturday against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries can prove to be a difficult side to beat especially in front of their home support. The world champions will head to the Vitality Stadium with a host of key players unavailable. But it now presents an opportunity for Manchester City’s academy players to make their mark. Based on what a host of City youngsters showed against Tottenham they’ll be ready to step up if called upon on Saturday.

Although Manchester City were beaten by Tottenham on Wednesday evening the performance of Manchester City’s academy players did catch the eye. Nico O’Reilly, James McAtee, Jacob Wright and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey all played a part in the game. They all showed glimpses of their quality, especially in the second half. The overwhelming feeling after watching O’Reilly, McAtee, Wright and Simpson-Pusey play on Wednesday was they’re ready to step up if required.

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They are required now by Manchester City. As the champions navigate their way through an injury crisis the time is now for Manchester City’s academy players to make their mark. The opportunity is there for them to do so. Opportunities for youngsters are fleeting at Manchester City when City have a full squad. But an opportunity is now presented for academy players to step up. There is little doubt about the quality of Manchester City’s academy players. Now the champions will be reliant on them more than ever.

Speaking after Manchester City’s defeat to Spurs Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Jacob Wright, Nico O’Reilly, James McAtee and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. He was impressed with how they performed against a quality opponent. Guardiola explained: “The Nico we saw tonight was the Nico we met last season – what a game he played. This competition is very good to give players this chance. Jahmai was exceptional at centre-half in the minutes he played. James McAtee – what a game he had – and Nico and Jacob played really well.”

This weekend Manchester City return to Premier League action. A tough away trip awaits Pep Guardiola’s side against Bournemouth. Pep Guardiola will likely be forced to have a host of City academy players on the bench for tomorrow’s match. The time for them to make their mark is now. Based on what they showed against Tottenham four of City’s academy players are capable of stepping up if called upon. That is one positive to take from the injury situation City are attempting to navigate their way through.