Heading into City’s pre-season tour of the United States the opportunities were there for Manchester City’s youngsters to impress. At times all the City’s youngsters have shown snippets of their quality. But two players in particular look to have seized the opportunity that was on offer this summer. James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly look to have earned themselves a spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the 24/25 season based on their performances in City’s pre-season friendlies.
For James McAtee, the opportunity was there to claim a place in City’s squad for next season if he could impress in the US. Across all four friendlies, McAtee showed glimpses of his quality. But he saved his best showing until last with a fantastic performance in City’s 4-2 win over Chelsea. He grabbed two assists but his overall play stood out in a fantastic display. It looks like the 24/25 season could be the one where McAtee finally makes an impact for the City first-team.
Nico O’Reilly was the second City youngster who looks to have seized the opportunity that was on offer this summer. He was one of City’s best performers during all four games of their pre-season tour of the US. His displays against Barcelona and Chelsea last night look to have earned him a spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season. O’Reilly is a tantalising midfield prospect who could add something different to City’s midfield. Now it is a matter of him learning from some of the best players in the world and Pep Guardiola as he looks to further his game.
READ MORE: Nico O’Reilly has made his mark this summer for Manchester City.
Following City’s win over Chelsea Manchester Evening News reporter Joe Bray confirmed on X that Pep Guardiola told the media that McAtee and O’Reilly would be first-team options for next season. It is a great reward for both following their displays during City’s pre-season to date. They weren’t the only two of Manchester City’s youngsters to impress in the US. There were impressive cameos at times from Amar Fatah, Callum Doyle, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Micah Hamilton to name a few. Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis also stood out but they are already considered first-team squad members. All told it was a promising tour of the US for City’s younger players.
But it appears that James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly have seized the opportunity that was on offer for City’s youngsters this summer. It now will be interesting seeing how both perform at the highest level when the opportunity presents for both during the 24/25 season.
