Enzo Maresca has explained why Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite and Floyd Samba have earned places in Man City’s first-team squad.
Maresca decided to keep the three youngsters with his senior group after pre-season, and all now train with the first team daily. They will also be involved against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup at the Etihad on Thursday night.
For the City boss, age is largely irrelevant if a young player is good enough and has the right attitude.
“When young players are good players, the age is not going to close or open the door. If they are good and have good attitude, they work with us.”
Maresca loves what he sees from McAidoo
Maresca was particularly enthusiastic about Ryan McAidoo, who has already made two Premier League appearances this season.
“McAidoo, if you remember one of my first press conferences, I said he is the kind of winger I love – he’s not scared, he always wants the ball, he is aggressive one v one. Sometimes you see a winger with the ball and they go back. Ryan receives the ball and goes forward.”
That assessment is nothing new. Maresca first called McAidoo “the kind of winger I love” after the 18-year-old impressed against Inter during City’s pre-season tour of Asia.
His opinion has not changed after seeing him in competitive action. “I think the two games he played some minutes in the Premier League he was good and nothing changed with him.”
There was praise for the other two youngsters too. Maresca described Samba as an attacking midfielder who can get into the penalty area and finish, while Kaden Braithwaite offers versatility in defence.
“Kaden is physically strong and I think he can be a central defender, full-back. He needs to learn but he can play in both positions.”
Why City academy players matter to Maresca
Maresca also explained why he enjoys giving opportunities to players who have come through City’s academy. He used Phil Foden as the obvious example of the connection a homegrown player can have with the club.
“If you speak to Phil, City is his club. If you speak to a player who is not from the Academy probably his club is a different one. They feel different. That’s why when I see an academy player who is good I love to give them a chance, because I know the feeling deep inside is different.”
The opportunity still comes with conditions. Maresca said ability, attitude and behaviour are monitored, including when the youngsters drop back into the EDS, when a member of his staff accompanies them.
McAidoo and Braithwaite have already had senior minutes this season, while Samba is still waiting for his opportunity. That could come against Norwich, with Maresca confirming all three will be involved as City begin the defence of the Carabao Cup.
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