A phalanx of exciting young EDS talent were all included as part of Pep Guardiola’s squad who embarked on a recent two week pre-season trip to the States.
It was a priceless opportunity for the youngsters who got to experience first-hand the demands and standards required of City’s first team with a number also being afforded some minutes on the pitch across the four games.
And for Wilkinson, who has stepped up into the role as EDS lead coach this summer after three seasons in charge of our Under-18s, the lessons and learnings the City youngsters picked up on tour will not only serve them well looking to their long-term careers but also help aid the development of our Under-21 side this term.
“[They will have gained] An incredible amount,” Wilkinson said.
“It was a fantastic experience for them in terms of what they get on the training pitch.
“For those of them that were fortunate enough to play in terms of getting that feel of playing for our first team and what that means and everything that comes with it [was incredible].
“Off the pitch they had to deal with all the things that get thrown at you on tour. I know it’s an intense time, with flights, commercial activities, representing the club etc.
“So, from an experience point of view, it was unbelievable and one that hopefully they didn’t take for granted and then make the most out of.”
In terms of the make-up of the Under-21 squad this term, Wilkinson said a precise picture wouldn’t fully emerge until the end of the summer transfer window at the start of September.
However, he said it would again be a blend of more experienced personnel alongside a number of younger players who have made the step-up from Under-18 level.
Whatever the final identity though, the lead coach said there was no doubting the exciting talent at his disposal.
“I think you’ll get the natural progression,” Wilkinson pointed out.
“The players that have been in the EDS for a couple of years tend to go on to their next step, whether that be a loan or permanent move, training with our first team.
“They’ve all got their own different journeys, so I think you’ll have at that end that natural progression. The same at the bottom end with the younger players who were in the Under-18s last year coming up and having their first exposure to Under-21s football.
“And then you have the group in the middle who are reasonably experienced at this level and in being in and around the first team training group.
“So, it’s kind of a case of bringing them all together. You’re never entirely sure what that’s going to look like until probably you get to September and the transfer window’s gone, but we have a reasonable idea.
“Certainly, I think there’s enough talent in there to for us to be able to try and develop them and get them to where they want to be by the end of the season and also to try and give us some sort of platform as a team to be successful.”
