Manchester City's academy notebook reveals a new name to watch, an upcoming UEFA Youth League test for the Under-19s, and a decisive EFL Trophy clash for the Under-21s. The games programme for both age groups has been on hold due to the international break, but news continues to flow from the Etihad.
New Name to Watch
While former Leicester City youngster Jeremy Monga is often tipped as the next success story at Manchester City, another ex-Foxes talent is progressing through the ranks. Darren Motsi joined City this summer, signing scholarship forms following his move from Leicester.
The 16-year-old can play on either flank or as an attacking midfielder and has already earned England international honours. Motsi was part of the England Under-17 squad during the last international break and made his mark with a goal in a victory over the Republic of Ireland. Fellow City starlet Xavier Parker was also on target that day, and the latter is highly rated at the Etihad, with the Blues having fought hard to keep him at the club this summer. Motsi could soon be held in similar high regard.
Youth League Test
City's EDS are without a game this weekend, but the Under-19s return to action next week with a UEFA Youth League clash against PSG. It will be a huge test for the young Blues, who were beaten at Porto in their opener, while PSG were commanding 6-1 winners over Slovan Bratislava.
City's record in the Youth League in recent years has not been good enough, with the club wanting to make an impact on the competition this season despite their opening defeat. The ambition for the academy is to produce good players and good people, steeling them for a career in the game either at City or elsewhere, but there is also a desire to progress to the latter rounds at youth level. It means there is extra pressure on the PSG contest, with the Under-19s only playing six matches in the league phase. Defeat on home soil on Wednesday will leave an uphill task to reach the knockouts.
Trophy Time
City's Under-21s wrap up their EFL Trophy group stage campaign later this month with a trip to Port Vale. The Blues opened their campaign with a win over Mansfield but were then beaten by Chesterfield, leaving them in need of a victory at Vale Park in late October.
Vale will begin the final round of matches a point clear of City in second, meaning that a draw won't be enough for Oli Reiss' side to earn a top two finish, with Chesterfield currently leading the way with five points from two games courtesy of a bonus for beating Vale on penalties last time out. Anything other than a win for City will see them eliminated, while a victory guarantees progress and could even bring top spot if Chesterfield slip up against Mansfield.
