One of the critical factors to make the club a strong competitor is developing its talents in the long run. Having a proper youth development unit in the club can assure you of an extra option. Man City was successful after signing young players like Jesus from Palmeiras at 19 and the Ukrainian player Zinchenko from Ufa Fc when he was 19. They both have contributed majorly. Looking at their very own talent Phil Foden who was a part of the club since his childhood played in the youth league with City, was very lucky to be nurtured by the best coach in the world, Pep. Phil made it to City’s starting XI at a very young age, and since then, he has continued to shine for them. The young English player has now been a key player for City.
The likes of Cole Palmer and James McAtee getting their chances to play in the starting XI shows how the youth department of City is succeeding. Their neighbours United have shown how youth development can help the club, which was their dominance in the earlier seasons. United plays every game consists of at least one player from the youth team. City is now also interested in bringing in a young Hungarian player Zalan Vansca 17 years of age. He plays on the left wing.
The city now has started to invest in young players across the globe. Kayky and Yan, the young Brazilians, were the recent addition. Last season they got their hands on a young Spaniard, Ferran Torres, who played with Valencia. He added good qualities to the attack, and he also scored a hattrick in the Premier League. He went back to Sapin, joining Barcelona as their new coach Xavi wanted.
City’s youth team is also doing good in their league, and they have won trophies at that level. Man City’s vision is pretty clear: to be the dominant club in Europe for the long run. The staff working off the field has majorly contributed to the plan. City has also improved the quality of their scouting. Support from the big players in the team has made it easy for them to interact with the young players and help them grow properly.
City’s academy is known as one of the best in the country. Since 1998 it has produced more professional players than other Premier League teams. Man City also has a Young player development program, where boys and girls from ages 5-12 can join the Man City football school and begin their journey in the sport.
Can you name some of the best youth development programs in Europe?
