BlueinBosnia wrote:iwasthere2012 wrote:phips wrote:
Foden
Brahim (??)
Garcia
Gomes
Way too early on the last two but im not sold on the first two. both havent taken advantage of their opportunities so far. yes its early on and im not saying get rid of them now--nothing like that--but the early signs arent good imo. Brahim & Foden are the "elder statesman" amongst our youngsters; they really should be running these preseason friendlies. instead, theyre doing nothing--exactly what theyve done theyre entire time with the first team.
I think that's bullshit.
Foden was only 17 playing last year and is only just gone 18 now.
Diaz is not 19 unil 3rd of August.
These two were fast tracked into the EDS and are still younger than the majority of that squad.
They were promoted to the first team squad because they were well above the standard for their age and are seen to have the most potential.
They are no where near elder statesmen of any City squad.
I think he's talking in terms of seniority, rather than age. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Diaz and Foden have made the fourth- and fifth-most outfield player appearances for us of any squad member on the tour (behind Zinchenko, Silva and Sane) respectively.
Perhaps.
Still don’t agree with his summation of what they have achieved or his original post which PrezIke responded to.
I agree with the consensus of what the main aim of the academy seems to be, but these two getting first team game time at 17 & 18 makes them a success story in my eyes.
Producing successful professional footballers seems to be the goal of the academy. Whether they make it with us or not is a different matter.
I think both players have done all they can with the little time they’ve had.
If first team management don’t think they are to be relied upon, then they will make decisions accordingly, like buying in. The stakes are high and modern management is impatient and unforgiving.
Maybe I’m reading Phips wrong but I don’t agree with or like the insinuation that Foden or Diaz are not doing enough. At that age they shouldn’t have to be the go to guys in any senior squad regardless of who else has just been promoted to the tour.
For what it’s worth I’d be very surprised if either of them ever nail down a first team spot with City. But they are definitely the best of their generation and the generation before them also, at City.