Pozo played in the 3rd round tie against Sheffield Wednesday.
Maybe if we are given more kinder draws this cup run we will see academy players, but we aren't like the Liverpool's and the Arsenal's and others who don't take the cup seriously until they progress to a a certain point. We want to go out and win by putting out our strongest squads and maybe including a few academy players on the bench. Problem is, we get a tie that ends up harder than it should be and we don't risk the upset. These kids need to be patient and really impress and take their chances when they're practicing with the first team.
Again the number of players from academy to first team at top clubs is small. Since the Messi generation who's really starting that's come up from the academy? Bayern let Can go to Liverpool? Inter had to sell Coutinho during their dark period. Juve's sending a bunch of kids out on loan are co-owning kids until they're developed to their liking. Chelsea has 30 kids out on loan, some on them 4th and will more than likely sold to aid FFP. United all the talk of McNair and Blackett and now Blackett is at Celtic with Boyata and McNair has a CM from Ajax in his place.
We can only hope we get a generation like Barca's but it's still too early under the new CFA to expect it now. Right now the Iheanacho's the Robert's the Ünal's mixed in with talented local kids like Barker and Cameron Humphreys represent a positive next step for the future.
Thanks for pointing out that Pozo played against Wednesday. I was referring to the Newcastle game and I should have been more specific. Here is the 18 for the Newcastle game and I can't recall Boyata getting on.
Man City: Caballero, Sagna, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Milner, Fernandinho, Toure, Silva, Jovetic, Dzeko.
Subs: Hart, Zabaleta, Fernando, Nasri, Jesus Navas, Aguero, Boyata
Good point about us putting out strong line ups in the Cups. The year before at Leicester Vinny was able to coach Boyata through the game that we won convincingly. My preference would be to give one or two of the more talented youngsters a game in these matches as other clubs do.
I don't blame Pellers for just thinking for today because his job is on the line and he sees eg Otamendi as a better bet than Denayer, despite both being full internationals.
I don't expect a stream of Academy players to hold down regular places in the first team - in the near future. We are light years away from Barca and Bayern in this regard. However, I am sceptical that we will be able to attract top youngsters as our reputation for not giving homegrown players a chance gets worse.
