da poker： Following a capitulation in the second half of the campaign, Manchester City’s title defence has run ashore and widespread changes are expected at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
da aviator aposta： With an ageing squad, an injection of youth seems necessary for Manuel Pellegrini’s men to put forward a consistent title challenge next season.
Although City will surely invest in new players in the transfer market, financial fair play rulings could well stifle their ambitions. As such, looking within the club’s current ranks for stars ready to make a step-up would be a sensible option.
With City’s investment in youth facilities and commitment to producing young players as a result, it seems like time that some of the next generation’s players are given a chance to show their worth.
Here are three youngsters ready for first-team consideration.
[interaction ]
Karim Rekik
The confident young Dutch centre-half has been on loan at PSV Eindhoven for the last two seasons and is making waves in his homeland.
Rekik was a dependable figure in Phillip Cocu’s Eredivisie-winning side this season and has been recognised in the senior Dutch squad, making his Netherlands debut last year.
With Vincent Kompany showing signs of frailty, Eliaquim Mangala still not convincing and Martin Demichelis not getting any younger, fresh blood at centre-half seems like a prerequisite this summer.
Rekik is ready for Premier League football and could well be the injection that City’s back four desperately needs.
Jose Angel Pozo
The young Spaniard was afforded a chance to play in a number of Premier League fixtures earlier in the campaign due to an injury crisis in attack, but the chance probably came a year too early for the 19-year-old.
A member of Real Madrid’s youth academy for five years, Pozo has been with the outgoing English champions since 2012 and has made significant progress in the youth and reserve ranks.
A feature for his nation at age-grade level, Pozo’s injection of pace and purpose could well keep some of City’s elder statesmen honest in their pursuit of a starting berth.
Using Pozo as an impact substitute would add urgency to a City side that have been laborious at times this season.
Thierry Ambrose
Labelled as the ‘new Thierry Henry’ in some quarters, Ambrose has been starring in the City reserve ranks, despite only recently turning 18.
With pace and power to burn, the young Frenchman has the versatility to play anywhere across the forward line and could well be an exciting addition to the first-team set-up at the Etihad Stadium next season.
With an eye for goal, exceptional technique and upper body strength to boot, Ambrose seems set for a bright future.
Introducing him to playing alongside players such as David Silva and Sergio Aguero will only see the youngster improve further, with Ambrose representing the best hope of a successful product from City’s big-money academy.