While Manchester City have lost their first two friendlies against Celtic and AC Milan in the United States there have been plenty of positives to take from both games. The form of Oscar Bobb has been one particular highlight. But with City having so many first-team players rested from the pre-season tour it has allowed City’s academy jewels to shine. Here are five City youngsters who have caught the eye in the US.
Micah Hamilton
The young winger made his first-team debut with Manchester City last season. Hamilton showed that he has a future at the top level during his cameo appearances last season. During City’s tour of the US Hamilton has once again shown he appears destined for a long career as a professional.
His second-half performance against AC Milan was a particular highlight of City’s US tour to date. He set up James McAtee’s goal to level the scores and was a constant threat to the Milan defence. Based on his showings in the US it appears that Hamilton is ready to take the next steps in his young career. Whether he can get those opportunities in Pep Guardiola’s squad next season or elsewhere appears to be the question going forward.
Academy link-up 🔗
Micah Hamilton 🤝 @JamesMcatee6 pic.twitter.com/6OtPDWZXeI
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 28, 2024
Maximo Perrone
Perrone spent last season on loan developing his game with Las Palmas in La Liga. Based on his showings against Celtic and AC Milan, the loan spell did the Argentinian midfielder a world of good as he appears to have gone up a level from when he last played for Manchester City.
Perrone’s second-half performance against Celtic was a standout when he scored and looked assured in possession. He wasn’t as influential against AC Milan but the early signs have been promising from the young midfielder.
Jacob Wright
Perhaps a left-field candidate, but in two substitute appearances, Jacob Wright has shown he could play more for Manchester City this season. His quality has been evident during his two substitute appearances against Celtic and AC Milan.
The hope now is that Wright can get more opportunities to impress against Barcelona and Chelsea. With the champions in the market for a midfielder to support Rodri, they may already have one in Jacob Wright. But having said that he may not quite be ready for a prominent role in Pep Guardiola’s squad. But his quality has been evident during his two cameo appearances in the US.
Callum Doyle
The young defender has arguably been City’s best young defender during both games in the United States. Doyle is ready to play at the top level but he may not get that opportunity at Manchester City. He may do in time, but with John Stones, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol all capable of playing at centre-back, there doesn’t appear to be a role for Doyle in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
But what has been apparent during City’s two pre-season friendlies is that Callum Doyle is quite comfortable playing for Manchester City. It may only be a matter of time before the young defender forces his way into City’s first-team plans based on his performances in the US. Perhaps that opportunity may come in the 25/26 based on the make-up of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Jadel Katongo
Katongo was better against AC Milan than he was against Celtic. But what has stood out is that the young defender is capable of playing at the highest level in time. Katongo at times has shown maturity beyond his years during his two appearances and he looks to be a bright prospect for the future for Manchester City.
The young defender may not get an opportunity to impress for Manchester City next season. But based on his displays in the US he looks destined for a long career as a professional. The hope being that he can develop his game to become a regular contributor the world champions. Based on his displays in the United States he has the talent and temperament to one day make it at Manchester City.
He is a good player, we love his style of play