City’s ‘desire and fire’ to win two cup finals is huge, says Dada-Mascoll | OneFootball

City’s Elite Development Squad midfielder Isaiah Dada-Mascoll says the Under-18s are fuelled by large amounts of ‘desire and fire’ to succeed in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final and FA Youth Cup final in the coming weeks.

City take on Manchester United in the former on Tuesday 23 April, with kick-off at Leigh Sports Village scheduled for 19:30 (UK) – and is available to watch live on CITY+.

Dada-Mascoll made the step up to our Premier League 2 squad in the summer but with his birthday not until May, Dada-Mascoll is eligible to play in both our Under-18 Premier League Cup and FA Youth Cup finals.

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The 17-year-old’s season has been overshadowed by a heavy injury which he picked up in August. But Dada-Mascoll has remained positive throughout his recovery and made his return to the pitch in City’s FA Youth Cup semi-final win over Bristol City.

And now, he is excited to mark his return to full fitness by putting on his best performance in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final.

“I think obviously that performance [against Bristol City], considering I was out for seven or eight months, just showed I’m fuelled with fire and energy and passion and just been raring to go,” said Dada-Mascoll.

“Before I came on I was watching the game from the side line and I could just sense it needed an injection of pace, like ball speed, communication and a bit more aggression as well.

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“So yeah I feel like every game is different, for example the game on Tuesday may call for a decrease in tempo, to slow things down, so I just feel like it’s recognising what the game needs and how it will pan out.

“And the same goes for the FA Youth Cup. It’s one of the major, if not the best thing to win as a youth footballer,” Dada-Mascoll continued.

“So yes, our desire and fire to win these trophies is massive.”

WATCH: City 1-0 Bristol City: FA Youth Cup extended highlights

In the build-up to the match, Dada-Mascoll has continued to get match minutes under his belt while also getting to play alongside a handful of team-mates he will likely play with on Tuesday evening, including exciting players who made the step up to Under-18s football in the summer.

The midfielder featured in City’s 2-1 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday as he also returns to Ben Wilkinson’s leadership having spent last season under his tutelage.

“It’s almost like we’ve been reunited in a way considering we achieved a lot last season,” began Dada-Mascoll.

“We won the Under-18 Premier League and we were so close to getting to the final of the FA Youth Cup.

“But because I’ve worked with Ben previously I kind of know his philosophy and how he wants me to play. It’s been a good, smoot process.

“It’s been good getting to gel with new players too. Divine Mukasa has just been signed and I think he’s a very top player.

“I’ve been working alongside him in training and been able to understand more of his game, how I can like feed him the ball for example, and so that’s been a good relationship that I’ve gained.”

UPCOMING FIXTURES

The Under-18 Premier League Cup final isn't the only piece of silverware Wilkinson's youngsters are competing for.

The Etihad Stadium will play host to the FA Youth Cup final on Friday 10 May, with kick-off against Leeds United scheduled for 19:00 (UK).

Tickets for the final are available here.

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Prior to that, our final home game of the 2023/24 season will be available to watch live on CITY+.

We welcome Everton to the City Football Academy on Tuesday 7 May, with kick-off set for 11:30 (UK).

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