Pep Guardiola unleashes another academy jewel against Watford | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola named a starting lineup with five Manchester City academy graduates last night for City’s 2-1 win over Watford at the Etihad Stadium. The win saw the world champions book their place in the fourth round of the tournament. There was also a special moment for City youngster Kaden Braithwaite. The 16-year-old made his first-team debut for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Based on his performance against Watford it appears that City have discovered another jewel in their academy system.

What stood out from Kaden Braithwaite in his first-team debut was how composed he looked for such a young player. He didn’t look out of place in Manchester City’s first team. Braithwaite showed poise in possession in a game where City dominated possession. As per statistics from SofaScore, the youngster completed 62/65 of his passes across the game. Defensively, Braithwaite didn’t look out of his element against the seasoned professionals in Watford’s lineup.

READ MORE: City player ratings from Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Watford.

For a 16-year-old Braithwaite showed plenty in his first-team debut. For a player his age, that is a promising sign of what may lie ahead for the young defender. To play in Manchester City’s first team takes a special type of player. Braithwaite showed last night that he could be exactly that in his 75 minutes on the pitch.

It is a testament to Manchester City’s academy that Braithwaite showed such promising signs in his first-team debut. City’s academy is becoming a breeding ground for the Manchester City first-team. Braithwaite played alongside fellow City academy graduates Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly. That speaks volumes for City’s academy system. It was a special night for Braithwaite and City’s academy at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola unleashed another City academy jewel against Watford last night. Kaden Braithwaite showed he could be the next youngster to make a mark at the world champions. Based on his performance last night the future is bright for the young defender.