Leicester City welcome Manchester City to the King Power Stadium today in the eagerly anticipated English Football League Quarter Final. Expect multiple changes to either side as we enter the congested holiday period.
Manchester City youngsters, as well as reserve or out of favour players from both teams will attempt to impress their manager, while naturally winning the game. A cup final would be great, however, breaking into the Premier League is the ultimate aim.
The league leaders will probably rest at least five of their “best 11”. Although some are likely to have incurred fatigue since winning their 16th straight game this weekend. There’s also a wealth of talent bursting through the seams in their youth teams.
Two of The Sky Blues’ top young professionals have featured on the bench recently in the league: their names are Oleksandr Zinchenko and Phil Foden. The latter even came on as an 83rd minute substitute against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday for his league debut.
Phil Foden
Foden is most likely the more familiar name to football fans as he won the 2017 under-17 FIFA World Cup with England. In addition, he was named the “most valuable player” or MVP (The Golden Ball Award).
The creative midfielder was praised by his great manager, Pep Guardiola for a performance against rivals Manchester United in a preseason tour of the USA:
"“It’s been a long time since I saw something like today, his performance was on another level”"
High praise indeed from a highly rated, not to mention, decorated manager and former elite player.
The Stockport born teenager was also the fourth youngest English-born player to appear in the Champions League. This was until he broke the record earlier this month against Shakhtar Donetsk in his second appearance.
Around this time sports media started focusing in on Foden more intensely. He was nominated for and duly won The Sports Personality of the Year Award on Sunday. Post ceremony, the grounded young man said this of his achievement:
"“Thank you to my Mum and Dad who have made all this possible.”"
The 17-year-old is a versatile player, which will also help his development: Guardiola is known to employ utility. Foden’s preferable or principal position is the number 10 role, behind a solo striker.
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Yet he can play anywhere across the attacking line comfortably. This is also important due to inverted and swapping wingers being prevalent during games. Skill, goals or the “killer pass” are all a part of his repertoire so expect to hear or see more from him soon.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko is a Ukrainian attacking midfielder who’s been a recent fixture on the league leaders’ substitute bench. To be there regularly in arguably the world’s foremost division, is in itself is a strong indicator of talent.
The 21-year-old is already a full international, not to mention the youngest player to score for his country. In doing so, he took the legendary Andrej Shevchenko’s record.
Although he’s only played once for The Citizens. His debut for the club was in the League Cup in October. This came after loan spells at the PSV first and reserve team in the Netherlands.
When asked on his settling in a new country, the young man spoke fondly of a mentor:
"“Fernandinho has really helped me settle here and he helped me understand a lot because, obviously he was at Shakhtar Donetsk as well and he speaks Russian!”"
Expect to see Zinchenko in a number of positions across the attacking midfield milieu. A ball dribbler who can beat his opponent, with the capacity to pick a creative pass. Anticipate a cultured, notwithstanding raw style of play.
Manchester City play Leicester City on Tuesday at 19:45 UK time.