Allow us to introduce you to all the youngsters that will have their chance to impress Pep in the Far East.
Angus Gunn
The 6”5 20-year-old is known for being equally adept with his feet as he is with his hands. Having been educated under the likes of Patrick Vieira and Simon Davies throughout his training at the CFA, Gunn understands the build-from-the-back style expected of the club’s goalkeepers.
His all-action performances for the EDS eventually earned him international recognition as he became a regular in England u21 squads throughout the 2015/16 season, culminating with a squad role in the successful Toulon Tournament campaign.
Billy O’Brien
Something of a wildcard pick in the squad having initially joined the EDS on their tour of Croatia last week, the Mancunian goalkeeper will be looking to impress the new regime.
The 20-year-old has featured on regular occasions for the EDS over the past two seasons after a loan spell at local non-league club Hyde.
Pablo Maffeo
A true battler at right-back called Pablo. Sound familiar?
Whether Maffeo will reach the level that his namesake Zabaleta has for City remains to be seen but he’s going about it the right way, featuring heavily for the EDS side since his arrival in 2013. Since his return from a mixed loan spell at Spanish side Girona, Maffeo has been involved in many of Pep’s training sessions.
Angelino
A dynamic attacking force with great pace, Angelino is the archetypal modern full-back. The Spaniard’s set piece and crossing ability has proved to be an important tool for the EDS side who have been forced to break down some stern defences over the last couple of seasons.
In July 2015 Angelino, real name Jose Angel Tasende, moved on loan to sister club New York City, to gain vital experience in one of the world’s most watched leagues.
Tosin Adarabioyo
It’s remarkable to think that the Manchester-born centre-back is still only 18 having been around both the u18s and EDS for so long. Dominant in the air, commanding in one-on-one situations and a natural leader, Adarabioyo seems to have it all.
His potential became clear for all to see as he captained the u18 team during their 2015/16 run to the FA Youth Cup final.
Cameron Humphreys
90 minutes against Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in front of 100,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last July was enough to announce Humphreys to the footballing world at just 16 years old.
Now 17, the composed ball playing central defender shone at EDS and u18 level throughout 2015/16 in a season that included several appearances as a member of the first team squad.
James Horsfield
Originally a tireless midfielder, local lad Horsfield has become increasingly comfortable at right-back over the last 12 months of his City education.
His professionalism and consistency are traits that make him popular with coaches and after signing a new three year deal this summer, the 20-year-old will be looking to kick on.
Aleix Garcia
Aleix certainly made an impression during his first season as a Manchester City player going on to make his first-team debut in the FA Cup tie at Chelsea in February.
Stylistically, the 19-year-old is an elegant holding midfielder capable of reading the game exceptionally well. A superbly delicate first touch means he is relaxed on any quality of surface.
Manu Garcia
Now a relative veteran of touring parties, China will be the third senior trip for Manu.
The Spaniard has excited fans of the club at all levels, with several thrilling cameos in the first-team during 2015/16. At his best, the Spaniard glides across the pitch often making the crucial final pass to unlock a defence.
Brandon Barker
Another of the local lads, Barker has been at the club since he was eight and won several accolades on his rise to EDS star.
Usually deployed on the left wing, Barker’s ability with both feet and extreme pace means he can decide to beat his marker either way and make him unplayable on his day.
Bersant Celina
An attacking midfielder, winger or forward, Celina’s versatility could make him an extremely useful player for Pep’s side.
The Kosovan international earned himself a new three year deal this summer after a 2015/16 season at EDS level in which he regularly demonstrated his quick feet and exceptional shooting technique.
Sinan Bytyqi
In a similar mould to Celina, Bytyqi has impressed in several advanced positions on the pitch. The Austrian youth international is something of a set-piece expert, whether whipping in dangerous free kicks and corners or taking a shot at goal himself.
After a disrupted 2015/16 season, which involved a loan spell at Dutch club SC Cambuur that was cut short due to injury, the 21-year-old will be hoping to impress the new management staff.
Manchester City FC Tour 2016 supported by Visit Abu Dhabi.
