I understand the hesitation to "big up" our youth players. Yet we are creating an elite crop.
3 of the best young cbs I've seen at their age groups, not just talent but leadership skills as well in thb, doyle and mbete.
Mcatee in cm is elite in every way. Passing, shooting, dribbling, etc he's gold dust.
Palmer is a young lad who creates time on the ball and is a killer infront of goal.
Delap is a cb bully and a killer in the box.
Most of their qualities aren't expected in kids ie, leadership, slowing the game down, perfect decision making, timing runs, etc. Normally you get excited about how skillful a young kid is or if they have a good shot on them. Personally, I think these kids are way ahead on their development and are worthy of the faith people have in them.
Having said that, all it takes is a bad injury, a lack of confidence or poor a single poor judgement on a night out to not fulfill their potential. So sit back and enjoy this crop of talent, our squad and eds, u18s are brimming with it. It's a great f@#king club to be involved with and to support. Not many of us saw this happening over a decade ago. I never thought I'd see an England captain come through city's youth when lakeys career ended, but we live in hope. Let's enjoy probably the most exciting season in the last 5 years, its an unpredictable one with so many ifs and maybes.