Under 18's v Middlesboro

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Went to watch them at Platt Lane this afternoon (Vieira,Lombardo,Mark Allen and Christian technical first team coach I think were also watching closely). We certainly had a young side out today after the under 21's played away against Middlesboro yesterday and drew 2.2.

How many of this lot have you heard of:
Lawlor ( captain today and just 18)
Sam Jones
Elan Assaini
Yvan Wassi
James Horsfield
Renny Smith (triallist I am told)
Louis Hutton ( I think a genuine under 18)
Brandon Barker
Jack Byrne
Dominic McHale

Subs Joe Nuttall,Liam Sharpe,Josh Murray,Aaron Nemane

It showed as well in the 1st half.We did have a few closish situations but Middlesboro could have had 5 and but for some bad finishing would have had more than the one they got.That was a great break from their point of view down the left and a simple cross and tap in but 3 City players made awful attempts at tackles,each time the player committing when he didn't need to.

I feared the worst in the 2nd half as they were clearly much older,stronger and quicker but we can take great credit from a much better performance.We had most of the game, created and missed chances but generally played so much better.The goal was a free kick hit home by Hutton but their keeper should have saved it.

McHale showed some real talent after a first half where he was easily snuffed out. His all round play reminded me a bit of Sturridge and it was him who carried our main goal threat almost scoring after a great mazy run only for their keeper to block it on the 6 yard box.Interesting that Nemane came on and that's after he played the first half for the under 16's!! He is just 15.

I saw 5 minutes of the under 16's and it looked like we had 13 year old's out there, well certainly 14.They were 1 down at half time and also drew 1.1 so credit to them.One or 2 of the match up's in that match really did look like men against boys.Big 16 year olds against small 14 year olds.

[Moonchesteri]

Thanks for the report mate. I love to read these, they're so much better than the reports we get on the OS!

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Wasnt worth a new thread but I went to Platt Lane for 18's game v Chelsea and it as much the same as last week only this time Chelsea were far too good to let us back into the game. Strange to watch a game where City played basically without a striker.

McHale and Barker were nominally strikers but they mostly drifted wide and left nobody central.Our organisation was generally good and we got to half time at 0.0 but losing seemed inevitable and so it was with Chelsea also missing a spot kick.Also a bit strange to see us with almost nobody on the bench.Nemane did come on as sub but that was after he played the first half of the 16's.Nuttall was also named as a sub but when I left he was still playing for the 16's ( they were also losing 2 nil to Chelsea last I heard)

[Ted Hughes]

Cheers Doug.

We do seem to be just randomly throwing players into games at different levels atm. I don't mind that for a short while, but at some point we have to start putting the players into some kind of team environment, as they can't progress or learn pass & move football as part of a general shambles.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cheers Doug.

We do seem to be just randomly throwing players into games at different levels atm. I don't mind that for a short while, but at some point we have to start putting the players into some kind of team environment, as they can't progress or learn pass & move football as part of a general shambles.

I am looking for something more positive tomorrow when we take on Chelsea again with the under 21's at Platt Lane.Most of the players who played water polo in Italy should be playing.I think it's those games and the NextGen series where we need to see more of a team.

[Ted Hughes]

Cheers Doug.

We do seem to be just randomly throwing players into games at different levels atm. I don't mind that for a short while, but at some point we have to start putting the players into some kind of team environment, as they can't progress or learn pass & move football as part of a general shambles.

I am looking for something more positive tomorrow when we take on Chelsea again with the under 21's at Platt Lane.Most of the players who played water polo in Italy should be playing.I think it's those games and the NextGen series where we need to see more of a team.

I'm not really arsed about it from a results point of view, it's purely that there is a drop in overall standard if there isn't at least some kind of team unit, within which the players can express themselves.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cheers Doug.

We do seem to be just randomly throwing players into games at different levels atm. I don't mind that for a short while, but at some point we have to start putting the players into some kind of team environment, as they can't progress or learn pass & move football as part of a general shambles.

I am looking for something more positive tomorrow when we take on Chelsea again with the under 21's at Platt Lane.Most of the players who played water polo in Italy should be playing.I think it's those games and the NextGen series where we need to see more of a team.

I'm not really arsed about it from a results point of view, it's purely that there is a drop in overall standard if there isn't at least some kind of team unit, within which the players can express themselves.

I agree the results aren't massively important but of course if we have a good team and they play well we win games. The under 18's team are currently a very very young outfit and can't really compete with some others who are simply older,stronger,faster and actually better.

At half time today we had done a good job to be at nil nil.We showed very good organisation and spirit but it really was just a matter of time.

[the_georgian_genius]

how many players that are with the EDS are available for the under 18's? i.e how many could have played today. We seem to have a young team throughout the ages with many players playing years above their natural ages.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

how many players that are with the EDS are available for the under 18's? i.e how many could have played today. We seem to have a young team throughout the ages with many players playing years above their natural ages.

Not too sure. Hiwula is injured at the moment (out for the season) so Devante Cole is in the EDS team plus there is Pozo, Lopes and Rekik. I think Suarez is over 18 now. Bar Rekik they are all attacking players.

There is also Ntcham who I think is 16 like Pozo but already playing EDS.

[Swales4ever]

Cheers Doug.

We do seem to be just randomly throwing players into games at different levels atm. I don't mind that for a short while, but at some point we have to start putting the players into some kind of team environment, as they can't progress or learn pass & move football as part of a general shambles.

I am looking for something more positive tomorrow when we take on Chelsea again with the under 21's at Platt Lane.Most of the players who played water polo in Italy should be playing.I think it's those games and the NextGen series where we need to see more of a team.

Definitely worth a thread and much interesting. many thanks for reporting.
on Next Gen vs, the Italian rags I should have been prompted to offer some advice. I have gained a solid experience of playing waterpolo in Italy (and abroad) on my days... ;)

instead, about the all important and serious consideration of "seeming to be just randomly throwing players into games", the idea of having the shoeseller in charge of our main asset for the future is just.... [tick as appropriate, my poor vocabulary is not up to the challenge].
I still keep laughing every time I heard the "Khaldoon seem to rate/ Khaldoon has stated his appreciation" tantrums, but the sooner the building of the Ethiad Campus facilities will be delivered and that secretary will part from the Club, the sooner and better I will breath again. Possibly bringing out Lombardo, Gregucci and all the Mancini's charities with him. There's where I fully expect a bold stamp from Soriano and Begiristain.

[the_georgian_genius]

how many players that are with the EDS are available for the under 18's? i.e how many could have played today. We seem to have a young team throughout the ages with many players playing years above their natural ages.

Not too sure. Hiwula is injured at the moment (out for the season) so Devante Cole is in the EDS team plus there is Pozo, Lopes and Rekik. I think Suarez is over 18 now. Bar Rekik they are all attacking players.

There is also Ntcham who I think is 16 like Pozo but already playing EDS.

decided to have a bit of a look and it does tell you something.

Shay Facey, Ellis Plummer, Greg Leigh, Karim Rekik, George Evans, George Glendon, Jules Ntcham, Jordi Hiwula, Devante Cole are all U18.

Marco Lopes, Mattias Boasserts, Jose Angel Pozo are all U17.

That's 12 players that are available for the Under 18's this season, that's basically a team. Would this be a youth cup team?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

how many players that are with the EDS are available for the under 18's? i.e how many could have played today. We seem to have a young team throughout the ages with many players playing years above their natural ages.

Not too sure. Hiwula is injured at the moment (out for the season) so Devante Cole is in the EDS team plus there is Pozo, Lopes and Rekik. I think Suarez is over 18 now. Bar Rekik they are all attacking players.

There is also Ntcham who I think is 16 like Pozo but already playing EDS.

decided to have a bit of a look and it does tell you something.

Shay Facey, Ellis Plummer, Greg Leigh, Karim Rekik, George Evans, George Glendon, Jules Ntcham, Jordi Hiwula, Devante Cole are all U18.

Marco Lopes, Mattias Boasserts, Jose Angel Pozo are all U17.


That's 12 players that are available for the Under 18's this season, that's basically a team. Would this be a youth cup team?

I forgot George Evans was still an under 18. The answer is yes that does look like a decent youth cup side and I do hope we take that competition seriously with that group of players plus Ian Lawlor in goal who I think would still qualify as he has just turned 18.

The first 4 on your list is a back 4.Evans and Ntcham would be central midfield so there is a team there.WE have drawn Sunderland at home in our first match and they are reputed to be one of the stronger sides around.

It's not always easy but from the ones I have seen I would have real hopes for Lopes,Pozo,Ntcham,Rekik. I havent seen Boasserts apart from a brief sub appearance. Cole has disappointed me more often than not but maybe he has started to grow into his game and might come through.

[bobby brows]

Cheers for the report Doug. An ongoing u18s thread seems like a good idea.

The one thing I've noticed in all the next gen/u21s games is how less physical we seem to be compared to everyone else. Against Middlesbrough in August for example they looked like they fielded a team ready for the football league. We look ready for junior football bar one or two.

But then I've always felt we don't mature players on the physical side of the game

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cheers for the report Doug. An ongoing u18s thread seems like a good idea.

The one thing I've noticed in all the next gen/u21s games is how less physical we seem to be compared to everyone else. Against Middlesbrough in August for example they looked like they fielded a team ready for the football league. We look ready for junior football bar one or two.

But then I've always felt we don't mature players on the physical side of the game

Our EDS side fielded a back 4 on Wednesday which was 4 centre backs and I would say they are all quite physical. Kennedy,Plummer,Rekik and Walters.The problem I see with them is I think they lack pace.Certainly Kennedy and Walters are slow compared to top level football.Plummer and Rekik I am not as sure about.

But in midfield I would agree that Evans( although he isnt afraid of putting his foot in) Suarez,Lopes,Rusnak,Drury are not physical players.The one coming along who is physical is Ntcham who is a bit of a beast for his age.But surely we want footballers and not big lumps coming through?

[Tokyo Blue]

The one coming along who is physical is Ntcham who is a bit of a beast for his age.But surely we want footballers and not big lumps coming through?

This is an interesting one. On the whole, I agree with you - the football is the main focus - and physique a bonus. A Micah Richards or Yaya Toure-shaped bonus.

I watched about an hour of the Juventus game and thought Ntcham did very well. Other other hand it is only one game.

I am really interested in this thread, the info and the views expressed. I hope the contributors can continue to update throughout the season if at all possible.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

The one coming along who is physical is Ntcham who is a bit of a beast for his age.But surely we want footballers and not big lumps coming through?

This is an interesting one. On the whole, I agree with you - the football is the main focus - and physique a bonus. A Micah Richards or Yaya Toure-shaped bonus.

I watched about an hour of the Juventus game and thought Ntcham did very well. Other other hand it is only one game.

I am really interested in this thread, the info and the views expressed. I hope the contributors can continue to update throughout the season if at all possible.

100% right ,talent plus physical presence would be perfect.

I will feedback after today's game v Chelsea.

[bobby brows]

Cheers for the report Doug. An ongoing u18s thread seems like a good idea.

The one thing I've noticed in all the next gen/u21s games is how less physical we seem to be compared to everyone else. Against Middlesbrough in August for example they looked like they fielded a team ready for the football league. We look ready for junior football bar one or two.

But then I've always felt we don't mature players on the physical side of the game

Our EDS side fielded a back 4 on Wednesday which was 4 centre backs and I would say they are all quite physical. Kennedy,Plummer,Rekik and Walters.The problem I see with them is I think they lack pace.Certainly Kennedy and Walters are slow compared to top level football.Plummer and Rekik I am not as sure about.

But in midfield I would agree that Evans( although he isnt afraid of putting his foot in) Suarez,Lopes,Rusnak,Drury are not physical players.The one coming along who is physical is Ntcham who is a bit of a beast for his age.But surely we want footballers and not big lumps coming through?

I've seen Kieran Kennedy a few times this year. He should get used to the dimensions of ewen fields as he'll be playing at that level.


I agree there is a difference between size and just beIng big but I think about Ronaldo when arrived at the filth he was quick but small. They got him in the gym and bulked him. Birmingham did the same with joe hart. It's a physical game and it's important to have strengh on the ball.

[Ted Hughes]

Cheers for the report Doug. An ongoing u18s thread seems like a good idea.

The one thing I've noticed in all the next gen/u21s games is how less physical we seem to be compared to everyone else. Against Middlesbrough in August for example they looked like they fielded a team ready for the football league. We look ready for junior football bar one or two.

But then I've always felt we don't mature players on the physical side of the game

Our EDS side fielded a back 4 on Wednesday which was 4 centre backs and I would say they are all quite physical. Kennedy,Plummer,Rekik and Walters.The problem I see with them is I think they lack pace.Certainly Kennedy and Walters are slow compared to top level football.Plummer and Rekik I am not as sure about.

But in midfield I would agree that Evans( although he isnt afraid of putting his foot in) Suarez,Lopes,Rusnak,Drury are not physical players.The one coming along who is physical is Ntcham who is a bit of a beast for his age.But surely we want footballers and not big lumps coming through?

I've seen Kieran Kennedy a few times this year. He should get used to the dimensions of ewen fields as he'll be playing at that level.


I agree there is a difference between size and just beIng big but I think about Ronaldo when arrived at the filth he was quick but small. They got him in the gym and bulked him. Birmingham did the same with joe hart. It's a physical game and it's important to have strengh on the ball.

Utd's academy seem to have also realised the importance of having a square head, big ears & breathing through the mouth.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

So today's U 21 game v Chelsea ended with a defeat 2.3.In all honesty it could have been worse and I think our 2nd half revival was a good effort.Our team was:
Johansen
Leigh,Bossaerts,Rekik,Meppen-Walter
Razak,Evans
Scapuzzi.Cole,Pozo,Lopez

Chelsea just seemed the better side all round in the 1st half,better organised ,better movement, better touch and although we did create some decent situations it was really Chelsea who looked like scoring.Their first goal was just a longish ball over the 2 center backs to a guy who should have been offside but was played on by Meppen-Walter ( I think that's all it was but its never that easy at ground level and at the other end.So simple but very well taken.

Then, after messing up some good openings they scored again.Very well worked but it came from Rekik slipping when given a simple pass,they swooped and Razak,instead of just covering the player with the ball,anticipated a pass that didnt happen and they just cut through to score with a clever back heel to an onrushing forward.At this stage I feared a real beating.They were dominating midfield and their number 6 (Rohan Ince) was key in this as he ruled Razak and Evans.What a big guy he is too, I would say about 6 foot 4.

The 2nd half seemed to bring more energy to our game and then with just a few minutes gone they took off Ince and we really started to take the game to them.More control and more good positions even if we couldnt test the keeper enough.Then Lopes scored with a cool right foot shot into the corner and anything looked posibble.We made 2 substitutions Drury in at right back for Evans ( he is a flying winger) and Ntcham on for Meppen Walter with Leigh switching to left back from the right.

Whether the changes had anything to do with it I don't know but Chelsea came back into it and had a good spell straightaway and scored.Their left winger, big and strong ,easily got past Drury and drilled a cross over.Their striker missed it but it looked like it cannoned off Rekik for an og.

We went back on the attack and created more near things with Drury looking good on the right. Rekik was now left back Leigh injured and Plummer on, and Razak driving in down the left side tried a speculative cross shot and it was deflected in I believe by Lopes.Chelsea were hanging on a little but they managed to do it for the win.

Chelsea were the better side.Their pass and move was much slicker than ours but we kept at it.I was disappointed with Razak in the 1st half as he lost out far too often to their big guy in the middle and just seemed to get in poor positions for a defensive midfield player.In the 2nd half he was better as the game changed but he has to realise he cannot rely on the strength which has been a main asset through past years.The opposition are as strong now if not even stronger as was shown today.He has to move the ball quicker.

Not sure about Rekik and Bossaerts on today's showing but I guess they need more games together to develop and good understanding.Meppen-Walter just isn't a full back for me and never will be as he has no pace.Leigh on the other side I though did well till his injury.

Evans did some good things but was mostly overrun.Lopez looks good at times and has real quality,Pozo the same although he has difficulty getting into the game but they are both very young.Cole I thought did quite well on scraps and is working harder now that I felt he used to a year or so back.Ntcham looked very confident when he came on and although did nothing special I feel he does look a talent.Seems to have 2 good feet as well.

Drury showed some great flashes in the attacking 3rd. He is not a full back but gives his all and is really good going forward with a slight concern about the final ball (where have we heard that before)

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I think Chelsea were,still are, below City in this league which surprises me a little.We now have 9 points from 9 games.

Watching on the sidelines today were.Kennedy (on crutches after the Juve game and might need an op) Suarez still with his foot in a cast,Ruznak who is 2 or 3 weeks away from a return.