The more you see James McAtee play, the more convinced you become that he will make it at Manchester City. McAtee developed as a player during his loan spells at Sheffield United. This season he hasn’t featured prominently yet for Pep Guardiola’s side. But his performance for England’s under-21 side last during their 2-1 victory over the Ukraine showed he what it takes to make it at the world champions.
England’s under-21s left it late to beat the Ukraine last night. Goals from James McAtee in the 88th and 90th minutes earned them a hard-fought win. McAtee’s first goal was a spectacular free kick. His second was a neat piece of play where he followed up to tap home after a goal-mouth scramble. McAtee’s free kick showed his talent. The second showed his acumen.
But his late brace showed that he is a player who can step up at a crucial moment. That trait cannot be taught. Players either have it or they don’t. McAtee has it based on his heroics on national duty last night. The time will come when he will need to show that trait for Manchester City. Based on his display last night, when that moment arrives, McAtee will seize it.
This season has started slowly for James McAtee. He has barely featured during the early stages of the season for the world champions. But he did score his first goal for Manchester City during their 4-nil Champions League league phase win over Slovan Bratislava. That cameo from James McAtee showed what he is capable of. His performance for England’s under-21 side last night further emphasised this.
The more you see from James McAtee the more you get the impression he will make it at Manchester City. He has taken a different path from that of Rico Lewis and Phil Foden to make Pep Guardiola’s squad. But each player’s journey is different. The one taken by McAtee has set him up for what is required at Manchester City. It now appears to be a matter of time before he makes breakthrough as a serious player the world champions.