Francis, 17, has spent much of the season at centre-back for Lee Carsley’s unbeaten U18s side but recently he has featured at left-back for Simon Davies’ Premier League 2 team.
Playing against 23-year-olds is a vital experience for the young English defender and with league leaders Everton coming to the Academy Stadium in a top of the table clash on Friday, Francis is hoping to be involved.
He said: “When I’m getting the chance to play and moving up to the EDS, I just want to help the team as much as possible.
“I do like playing left-back as it gives you the chance to try new things and get used to being in different positions on the pitch. However, it definitely suits me more in the middle and showing off my passing range, especially in a game when we have to get past a determined defence.”
View highlights of City’s recent U18 Premier League trophy lift below…
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Having played against several teams that have simply come to City looking to defend, Francis is looking forward to facing an in-form Everton eleven that will look to attack.
“Our role is to create attacks by getting the ball to the attackers in the best positions but it is hard when you have to get through so many players. I enjoy having a lot of the ball and trying to be as creative as possible and express myself,” he said.
“We’ve got to strive to win every match, no matter who we’re playing, and there’s no reason we can’t.”
There will be full coverage of Manchester City v Everton in the Premier League 2 on mancity.com.
