A young defender looks set for a big future at Manchester City
We saw Pep Guardiola tell the media after his team's 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday evening that he refuses to work with a big squad next season. The Manchester City manager also told the media that is prepared to give City's talented academy prospects opportunities to fill the gaps if his squad is beset by injuries again next season. Manchester City's academy system is packed with talented young players. That has stood out in Manchester City's under-18 sides and the EDS side winning a fourth PL2 title.
Divine Mukasa could potentially be the crown jewel of Manchester City's youth system. But he isn't the only one. There are a host of quality players littered throughout the Manchester City youth system. Another player who could make the step up to the City first team in time is young centre-back Stephen Mfuni. Mfuni appears to have all of the necessary attributes to one day become a City first team player.
Stephen Mfuni appears destined for big things.
A look at Stephen Mfuni as a player shows that he has all of the necessary tools to be a Manchester City centre-back. First of all, in possession, Mfuni is a smooth operator. He has elite vision and can pick out a pass. Whether that's to help his team in the build-up or by picking out a long pass. His ability in possession is elite. That earmarks him as a potential Manchester City first-team centre-back in time.
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As a defender, Mfuni has all of the necessary attributes to become an elite centre-back. He reads the game well, especially for a player so young. Mfuni's positioning as a defender is another stand-out attribute of his play. He is strong in a challenge and in the air. All told Mfuni can develop into a quality player in time. He isn't the finished product as a player by any stretch. Mfuni is only 17 years of age. But he has every attribute required to one day blossom into a City first-team player.
The time will come when Stephen Mfuni will make an impact at Manchester City.
It appears to be only a matter of time before Stephen Mfuni is given an opportunity to impress at Manchester City. Perhaps that will come at next month's FIFA Club World Cup. It's hard to see Pep Guardiola only relying on his senior players at the tournament. That's where players like Stephen Mfuni may get an opportunity to impress. Based on what Mfuni has shown at youth level, he could seize that type of opportunity if it comes his way in the United States.
Manchester City's EDS and under-18 side is full of promising young players. Stephen Mfuni is another one. If Pep Guardiola does need to rely on youth next season, especially in defence, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the young centre-back given an opportunity. Mfuni has shown he has the talent and potential to be a fine player for Manchester City. That opportunity may come around sooner rather than later.
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