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Man City’s latest wonderkid & an absolute golazo that answers Scotland’s prayers

Manchester City are blessed with a conveyor belt of future stars being produced in their academy right now and Adedire Mebude is their latest wonderkid worth getting excited about. Particularly if you’re Scottish.

Pep Guardiola’s influence can be seen throughout the club from the first team to the various youth sides. It’s no surprise that City are leading the way in the Premier League 2 right now.

City smashed Manchester United’s Under-21s 6-0 in the Premier League 2 last week, which serves as a reminder of which youth setup is currently on top. And Mebude played a starring role in the derby demolition, bagging a hat-trick of assists as the youth side put their city rivals to the sword.

Born in 2004, Mebude is only 18 years old, but he already plays with a swagger beyond his years. He’s the only player in the Premier League 2 into double figures for both goals and assists and is now shining on the international stage with Scotland’s Under-21s.

Mebude started his footballing journey with Rangers, but he was promptly snapped up by City in 2020. The likes of Tottenham, PSV and Club Brugge were even interested in signing him in the summer.

The youngster has quickly risen through the youth ranks for his country and his latest goal showcases just what he is about. Get excited, City and Scotland fans.

Fellow City youngster Lewis Fiorini stars off the move with a slick pass into Mebude on the edge of the box. Mebude’s technical ability shines through as he traps the ball before shimmying around three defenders.

As soon as he had a clear sight of the goal, there was no stopping the thunderous strike which followed. The power takes it away from the goalkeeper and further demonstrates Mebude’s ability.

Pick that one out.

Also eligible to represent England and Nigeria, the Scottish FA may soon consider tying him down at senior level, such is the teenager’s rapid ascent.

Mebude shined for Man City’s Under-18s last season and his transition into the Under-21s has been just as slick. Last season he grabbed 11 goals and 18 assists which had everyone talking.

Brian Barry-Murphy, City’s Under-21s coach, set Mebude the challenge of stepping up to the level above at the start of the season.

“Obviously had a lot of goals and assists in the Under-18s last year and the challenge for him is to become as consistent at this level as he adapts to the different demands of it,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

“He’s a very exciting player to watch, he’s got a lot of stuff that he can improve on and he knows that but I think the most exciting of all is that he’s willing to focus on that and improve his all-round game.”

Guardiola has gone away from the dynamic wingers of years gone by and has instead opted for technical players in the wide positions. Going off Mebude’s showing this season though, he looks like the perfect blend to make it at City.

The 18-year-old is an outlet in 1v1 scenarios, but he also looks after the ball well. If he maintains his current trajectory, we’ll be seeing him in the first team in no time.


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