Under 21's V Stoke

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Really good game tonight at Hyde against a Stoke side who were...... like a Stoke side.Strong,organised and uncompromising,From the start we had a good control of the game.Here's the report from the OS

Jose Angel Pozo scored his seventh goal in six City starts to fire the Blues to the top of National Group 2 in the Barclays u21 Premier League.The 16-year old forward also laid on goals for Rusnak and Cole in an impressive 4-1 victory for City Elite Development Squad on a night in Hyde some 15 degrees chillier than Pozo’s native Malaga.

Attilio Lombardo opted to make two changes from the side which won Monday’s Lancashire Senior Cup tie against Blackpool on penalties, welcoming Denis Suarez back from international duty with Spain u20s and bringing Ellis Plummer into the heart of the back four.

Wales u21 midfielder Emyr Huws captained the side in the absence of George Evans who had to settle for a place on the bench and with Karim Rekik away on loan at Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season.

The visitors were yet to register a point in 2013, so it was unsurprising to see that the pattern was set early in this game, with the Potters content to keep two resolute banks of four in front of their penalty area, challenging City to break them down.

City dominated possession in the early stages but found chances hard to come by as Stoke’s trio of terriers Heneghan, Ward and Sanders marshalled the menacing quintet of Suarez, Pozo, Lopes, Rusnak and Cole with distinction.Anyone present familiar with the rugged playing style of Stoke’s first-team would have instantly recognised that it’s a philosophy that extends down the age-groups.

This physical approach clearly irked members of the City team at times and on one occasion Suarez received a lengthy talking to from referee Phil Dermot after he kicked the ball away in frustration.However, City cooled flaring tempers after 32 minutes when Spanish duo Suarez and Pozo combined beautifully on the left side of the penalty area, with the latter providing Cole with the chance to back-heel the opening goal from six-yards out.

City doubled their advantage ten minutes later when Rusnak profited from more devilish dribbling from Pozo to fire in a deflected strike from the edge of the area.It would have been easy for Stoke to throw in the towel but they hit back on the stroke of half-time when Dedryck Boyata was unfortunate to turn Adam Thomas’s cross into his own net to halve their arrears.

That Potters goal gave City something to think about at half-time – ending any notion that the game might be over as a contest.City twice gave away leads in their last league game, the 3-3 draw against Bolton at the start of the month, but they weren’t in such a forgiving mood this time around.

Pozo had already set two of City’s goals up but it was his turn to write his name on the scoresheet five minutes into the second period, slotting home a slick finish from a Rusnak assist on the left flank.Lombardo's men continued to control the game and had chances to get a fourth goal of the night through Rusnak, Suarez and Lopes but eventually they broke through again with 15 minutes remaining courtesy of a expertly-taken Suarez penalty after Shay Facey was taken down just inside the area.


For me this was one of the best performances by a young City side even though against a limited Stoke side.The 3rd goal was actually created by a great break from Huws down the left and his pull back was controlled first time by Pozo and the sidefooted strongly home.Pretty well everyone played well with Huws probably MotM with a great central midfield role.He did play it simple most of the time feeding one of the clever midfield attacking players but he also uit some great long diagonal balls to the wing.Add to that his constant breaking up of play when Stoke threatened and the great run for the 3rd goal.

I do have to mention Pozo though as I biased in thinking that he is the real deal.His goal was superbly and simply taken but his assist for Rusnaks goal was real quality. Rusnak played the ball to him just inside the area and the plan was to run off him for the return pass.That's what looked on and that's what the Stoke defenders thought as well.Pozo didn't immediately play the pass but turned the other way with great close control and with the defenders all at sea he then played it back to Rusnak who scored through a defenders legs.

A final mention for Ntcham who was only on a short while but showed some nice touches but also some power and pace. Another real talent.The goals at least will be on the OS soon for certain

[BadKompany]

Cheers Doug,great news all round.

How do you rate Huws chances of making it here?

[CitizenYank]

Glad to hear the Academy players are doing well. Thanks for the info, Doug.

[Ted Hughes]

However young, lightweight, inexperienced etc he may be, if a player is producing outstanding moments of skill & goals at reserve level, over & over again, there comes a time when he must surely be considered for an occasional role in the 1st team squad.

If Pozo was 21 years old rather than 16, lightweight or not, he would be getting an occasional spot on our bench.


The age shouldn't matter.

[shortagain]

No sign of gudetti. Has he had a setback or involved for sunday

[Cocacolajojo1]

Thanks for your opinions Doug! It's great to have you at the u21 games as well.

It's also great to see that you think that some of the young players might have what it takes.

I'm also curious about guidetti.

[Nigels Tackle]

apart from scoring and setting up a couple of goals did pozo have a good game...?

i can't wait to see this kid in action

really excited about him

[Douglas Higginbottom]

However young, lightweight, inexperienced etc he may be, if a player is producing outstanding moments of skill & goals at reserve level, over & over again, there comes a time when he must surely be considered for an occasional role in the 1st team squad.

If Pozo was 21 years old rather than 16, lightweight or not, he would be getting an occasional spot on our bench.


The age shouldn't matter.

If Pozo was 21 he would be IN the 1st team.If not at City somewhere else.

[Sideshow Bob]

Fabregas made debut at 16. Sterling 17. Doesn't seem to have done them any harm. Pozo deserves a shot. Even if it didn't work out for him right away, it would give the other lads in EDS some extra incentive.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Fabregas made debut at 16. Sterling 17. Doesn't seem to have done them any harm. Pozo deserves a shot. Even if it didn't work out for him right away, it would give the other lads in EDS some extra incentive.

I am not saying he should be in there now but it won't be left till he is 21.Could be next season but certainly the season after that imo at the latest. In answer to the question about last night I don't think he had a great game but he did some quality things and was involved a lot in a good way,took his goal very well and helped with others.

[LookMumImOnMCF.net]

Cracking report Mr H, it's really appreciated.

I know the debate is ongoing here, but I really would like to see one or two players pushing into the first team.

[Beefymcfc]

However young, lightweight, inexperienced etc he may be, if a player is producing outstanding moments of skill & goals at reserve level, over & over again, there comes a time when he must surely be considered for an occasional role in the 1st team squad.

If Pozo was 21 years old rather than 16, lightweight or not, he would be getting an occasional spot on our bench.


The age shouldn't matter.

If Pozo was 21 he would be IN the 1st team.If not at City somewhere else.

Are you saying that he is ready now?

[Moonchesteri]

Thanks a lot Doug! It's one thing to read the official match reports from OS but quite another to read Yours. Cheers!

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cracking report Mr H, it's really appreciated.

I know the debate is ongoing here, but I really would like to see one or two players pushing into the first team.

Just watched the 18's beat Blackburn 2.1 this morning.Really good game to watch,especially the 1st half where we went two up with goals from Kuate and Nuttall. It probably could have been level at half time but they didn't make the most of good opportunities and we did. Kuate's was a free header from a free kick and Nuttall's a tap in from a left wing cross after really good work to get to the byline.

Most impressive for me were Kuate.He played the holding midfield role and he is a beast of a lad.I don't know how old he is but probably 16 or 17 but a very powerful lad and did a great job today aside from the goal.Won so much in the middle and in the box and I love his fist pump when the ref blew the full time whistle. I was also impressed by Jorge Intima who played right wing.He is very positive ,good feet and takes players on and showed good strength too. Didn't get into the game much in the 2nd half but looks a player in the Valencia mould. Both he and Kuate are Portugese.

Finally a word for Nathaniel Oseni who played centre back and I am told is just 14! At 6 foot 3 he looks a centre back albeit quite a thin one but 14 years old and played well against a much older stronger BBurn team.

I don't want to be negative but Dominic McHale on the left wing is a very talented footballer but for me just doesn't put enough into his game.Made too many bad decisions on the ball but seems to lack heart.

[Sideshow Bob]

Fabregas made debut at 16. Sterling 17. Doesn't seem to have done them any harm. Pozo deserves a shot. Even if it didn't work out for him right away, it would give the other lads in EDS some extra incentive.

I am not saying he should be in there now but it won't be left till he is 21.Could be next season but certainly the season after that imo at the latest. In answer to the question about last night I don't think he had a great game but he did some quality things and was involved a lot in a good way,took his goal very well and helped with others.

Thing is, the end of this season may present an ideal opportunity to give some of these players a run out, assuming the title's gone but we're comfortably 2nd or 3rd. Next year we'll be have brought new players in, and there will be more competition and less room in the squad.

[Ted Hughes]

Cracking report Mr H, it's really appreciated.

I know the debate is ongoing here, but I really would like to see one or two players pushing into the first team.

Just watched the 18's beat Blackburn 2.1 this morning.Really good game to watch,especially the 1st half where we went two up with goals from Kuate and Nuttall. It probably could have been level at half time but they didn't make the most of good opportunities and we did. Kuate's was a free header from a free kick and Nuttall's a tap in from a left wing cross after really good work to get to the byline.

Most impressive for me were Kuate.He played the holding midfield role and he is a beast of a lad.I don't know how old he is but probably 16 or 17 but a very powerful lad and did a great job today aside from the goal.Won so much in the middle and in the box and I love his fist pump when the ref blew the full time whistle. I was also impressed by Jorge Intima who played right wing.He is very positive ,good feet and takes players on and showed good strength too. Didn't get into the game much in the 2nd half but looks a player in the Valencia mould. Both he and Kuate are Portugese.

Finally a word for Nathaniel Oseni who played centre back and I am told is just 14! At 6 foot 3 he looks a centre back albeit quite a thin one but 14 years old and played well against a much older stronger BBurn team.

I don't want to be negative but Dominic McHale on the left wing is a very talented footballer but for me just doesn't put enough into his game.Made too many bad decisions on the ball but seems to lack heart.

Nice one Doug.

I'm just laughing to myself thinking how many players have cropped up, particularly this season, who I've never even heard of let alone seen & there are even one or two you had never heard of or seen!

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cracking report Mr H, it's really appreciated.

I know the debate is ongoing here, but I really would like to see one or two players pushing into the first team.

Just watched the 18's beat Blackburn 2.1 this morning.Really good game to watch,especially the 1st half where we went two up with goals from Kuate and Nuttall. It probably could have been level at half time but they didn't make the most of good opportunities and we did. Kuate's was a free header from a free kick and Nuttall's a tap in from a left wing cross after really good work to get to the byline.

Most impressive for me were Kuate.He played the holding midfield role and he is a beast of a lad.I don't know how old he is but probably 16 or 17 but a very powerful lad and did a great job today aside from the goal.Won so much in the middle and in the box and I love his fist pump when the ref blew the full time whistle. I was also impressed by Jorge Intima who played right wing.He is very positive ,good feet and takes players on and showed good strength too. Didn't get into the game much in the 2nd half but looks a player in the Valencia mould. Both he and Kuate are Portugese.

Finally a word for Nathaniel Oseni who played centre back and I am told is just 14! At 6 foot 3 he looks a centre back albeit quite a thin one but 14 years old and played well against a much older stronger BBurn team.

I don't want to be negative but Dominic McHale on the left wing is a very talented footballer but for me just doesn't put enough into his game.Made too many bad decisions on the ball but seems to lack heart.

Nice one Doug.

I'm just laughing to myself thinking how many players have cropped up, particularly this season, who I've never even heard of let alone seen & there are even one or two you had never heard of or seen!

Exactly right Ted.Oseni is in fact 16 so I was mislead but he does look very young.Interesting to think that the 18's team today were missing a bunch that play at the older age groups like Pozo,Ntcham,Lopes,Rekik.Bossaerts for starters.So many playing above their actual age group and we have plenty from outside the UK we must hope that we have recruited well..

There has been a comment on Twitter replying to one of mine that Kuate lacks match fitness.Well he may do but he seemed to be still going strong at 90 today from what I saw. But for anyone who has a chance to watch the 21's play I would recommend you get along and have a look.Shame the next round of the youth cup is away at Derby next Tuesday.Not sure I can get to that.

[Ted Hughes]

Cracking report Mr H, it's really appreciated.

I know the debate is ongoing here, but I really would like to see one or two players pushing into the first team.

Just watched the 18's beat Blackburn 2.1 this morning.Really good game to watch,especially the 1st half where we went two up with goals from Kuate and Nuttall. It probably could have been level at half time but they didn't make the most of good opportunities and we did. Kuate's was a free header from a free kick and Nuttall's a tap in from a left wing cross after really good work to get to the byline.

Most impressive for me were Kuate.He played the holding midfield role and he is a beast of a lad.I don't know how old he is but probably 16 or 17 but a very powerful lad and did a great job today aside from the goal.Won so much in the middle and in the box and I love his fist pump when the ref blew the full time whistle. I was also impressed by Jorge Intima who played right wing.He is very positive ,good feet and takes players on and showed good strength too. Didn't get into the game much in the 2nd half but looks a player in the Valencia mould. Both he and Kuate are Portugese.

Finally a word for Nathaniel Oseni who played centre back and I am told is just 14! At 6 foot 3 he looks a centre back albeit quite a thin one but 14 years old and played well against a much older stronger BBurn team.

I don't want to be negative but Dominic McHale on the left wing is a very talented footballer but for me just doesn't put enough into his game.Made too many bad decisions on the ball but seems to lack heart.

Nice one Doug.

I'm just laughing to myself thinking how many players have cropped up, particularly this season, who I've never even heard of let alone seen & there are even one or two you had never heard of or seen!

Exactly right Ted.Oseni is in fact 16 so I was mislead but he does look very young.Interesting to think that the 18's team today were missing a bunch that play at the older age groups like Pozo,Ntcham,Lopes,Rekik.Bossaerts for starters.So many playing above their actual age group and we have plenty from outside the UK we must hope that we have recruited well..

There has been a comment on Twitter replying to one of mine that Kuate lacks match fitness.Well he may do but he seemed to be still going strong at 90 today from what I saw. But for anyone who has a chance to watch the 21's play I would recommend you get along and have a look.Shame the next round of the youth cup is away at Derby next Tuesday.Not sure I can get to that.

I used to go all the time in years gone by, rarely missed a game, & also to Platt Lane to watch the younger teams but I've rarely had chance to do it in recent times, always something in the way.

I used to love it back in days of old when the reserves played at 3pm on a Saturday & if I couldn't get to the away game, I could watch the reserves instead & listen to the first team on Piccadilly Radio.

[ant london]

Funny as I was wondering earlier whether the presence of Pozo could help or potentially scupper Guidetti.

JG has been awaiting "his chance" for a while now and is the first youth striker since Sturridge who had the right stuff and it seems very possible that he could, on the cusp, potentially be usurped by Pozo.

A nice conundrum for us as a club but I'd really feel for Guidetti if that happened, I'd love to see them both given a crack tbh

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Funny as I was wondering earlier whether the presence of Pozo could help or potentially scupper Guidetti.

JG has been awaiting "his chance" for a while now and is the first youth striker since Sturridge who had the right stuff and it seems very possible that he could, on the cusp, potentially be usurped by Pozo.

A nice conundrum for us as a club but I'd really feel for Guidetti if that happened, I'd love to see them both given a crack tbh

I think if Guidetti is good enough he will make it as I reckon he will get some chances.I am worried about his fitness though and whether he can actually regain the strength and stamina he had.Gut feeling is he won't but I am a natural pessimist.