The defensive midfielder’s impact across the 2022/23 campaign had been blighted by injury with a hip issue in particular sidelining him for a lengthy spell after he had enjoyed a fine 2021/22 season with our Under-18s.
However, having regained fitness at the outset of the 23/24 season, the 19-year-old soon made his impact tell with our Under-21s.
A cool, calm collected presence on the field, Susoho’s impressive technique, unflappable nature and tactical acumen both in denying the opposition space and providing an attacking spark too proved invaluable assets across the course of the campaign.
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And though it was to prove a frustrating season from a results perspective for City’s Under-21s, for Susoho on an individual level it afforded him some incredible opportunities that he is sure to carry for the rest of his emerging career.
After making a fine impression for our EDS side across the first half of the campaign both in PL2 and the UEFA Youth League, Susoho was named as part of City’s travelling first team squad for December’s final Champions League group fixture away to Red Star Belgrade.
Having seen Academy colleague Micah Hamilton afforded his first senior start and mark the occasion in spectacular fashion by firing City into an early lead, the spotlight then turned onto Susoho.
He was summoned on from the bench for his senior debut 15 minutes from time and more than helped play his part as Pep Guardiola’s side rounded off a perfect group stage with an impressive 3-2 victory at what was an intimidating Rajko Mitic Stadium.
It was an experience that Susoho described as ‘a great moment’ and more incredible experiences were to follow before the year was out.
Mahamadou was then one of a phalanx of exciting youngsters subsequently named in City’s official squad that travelled out to Saudi Arabia to take part in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
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For the best part of a week, Susoho was part of the City group based in the Red Sea city of Jeddah where he had to opportunity to learn, train and soak in the day-to day experience of being part of one of the world’s finest squads.
City’s impressive efforts out in Saudi meanwhile saw us crowned world champions, thanks to a decisive 4-0 final triumph over Fluminense which had followed a 3-0 semi-final victory over Urawa Red Diamonds.
It meant the 19-year-old picked up his first senior medal and proved to be an opportunity and learning experience that will prove priceless in terms of his future career.
With Mahamadou also featuring nine times on the bench across the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League – including our quarter-final first leg tie away at Real Madrid – it added up to a catalogue of learning that proved priceless.
All told across all competitions, Mahamadou made 20 appearances in total, weighing in with three goals and an assist to round off a season that he will look back on with justifiable pride.
In his own words
I didn’t even expect to come on against Red Star! Pep just called my name – I tried to be composed and to make sure I was ready and not get too nervous.
To be fair I wasn’t too nervous, the first few steps onto the pitch I felt it with the crowd as it was crazy out there but after that I felt OK.
Pep gave me some tactical advice and said just to play your game and that you are good enough.
It was a very proud moment. It still hits me when I watch it back – that wow I made my Champions League debut!
Pep on Susoho
[For All the big clubs, the Academy is an important part of many things.
Congratulations to our Academy for how many players came up and how many we sell. We had Mo as well, he played really well as well.
It’s a compliment to the Academy. Cole Palmer was here. Romeo Lavia, James Trafford, Gavin Bazunu. Many players in our Academy are in the Premier League or Championship. They have done unbelievable. It is top class.
Hopefully in the future we can have more players like this.
