With the 23/24 season in the books Manchester City is now preparing for a busy summer. While new players are expected to arrive at the champions this summer, City’s academy has many hidden gems with the potential to make an impact in the first team. But could young winger Joel Ndala potentially make an impact next season? He appears to be one player who could step up next season if given the opportunity.
READ MORE: Will Oscar Bobb play a more prominent role for Manchester City next season?
As a player, Joel Ndala is an exciting prospect. His dribbling ability is a standout attribute of his game. With his exceptional pace and quick feet, he has the tools to become a dynamic winger in time. Ndala is also adept with both feet and can play on either wing. That is an attribute that is valued by Pep Guardiola with his wingers. Ndala’s versatility coupled with his tremendous ability makes him a player to watch in City’s EDS system. The playing style of the young winger has drawn comparisons with Jeremy Doku.
This goal by Joel Ndala vs Brighton U18 tonight 😮💨 Just look at how quickly the legs are moving, and the upper body feints give a serious unpredictability to if he’s going left or right, takes great two footedness & balance. Finished brilliantly too
— The Next Wave (@_TheNextWave_) January 17, 2023
Ndala is far from the finished product. While his dribbling ability, strength and quick feet are standout attributes he still needs to develop physically to cope with the demands of first-team football. Given he is only 18 years of age he does have time on his side to develop the physical aspect of his game. But the young winger has shown he has the talent and traits to potentially break into the Manchester City first team.
Oscar Bobb, Phil Foden and Rico Lewis have shown that there is a path from City’s EDS system to the first team. Ndala has the talent to potentially become another player to progress through the system. It will be interesting to see if Ndala is given an opportunity to impress during City’s pre season. Ndala has the talent to progress as a player but it may be a case of whether or not he is given an opportunity.
