With the majority of Pep Guardiola’s squad having only just finished international duty at the World Cup, it meant the Academy Stadium clash with our La Liga opposition afforded several youngsters a chance to taste experience at a senior level.
To a man they didn’t let anyone down with goals from Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne sealing victory as City got back in the groove after a five week hiatus.
But for Matchday Live special guests Dickov and Goater, it was the assured display of our youthful defence that really caught the eye, with Elite Development Squad youngsters Jadel Katongo and Shea Charles garnering special praise in particular from the City legends.
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“I have to give a shout out to the back four. To keep a clean sheet against this good an opposition side is amazing,” Dickov declared.
“I thought the two centre backs Katongo and Charles did brilliant, Rico Lewis also.
“I know Sergio Gomez is a little bit older, but he is still relatively inexperienced.
“So, for a back four like that there are so many positives in keeping a clean sheet against such good opposition.
“They looked like senior players. They were vocal and you could hear them shouting at the senior players to get back into position.”
Dickov’s warm words were echoed by Shaun Goater who also praised the youngsters’ maturity and confidence on the ball.
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“We were both really impressed with our young centre backs,” the Goat added.
“They came into this senior game and just looked so composed.
“They were stepping forward - even out of possession - and looked aggressive with the ball.
“The passing from out of defence was neat and tidy and I think they can be very proud of their display.
“I also loved seeing Rico playing inside of the right back position and I was again really impressed with him.”
For Dickov, Saturday’s assured display was also the latest reminder of how City’s famed Academy continues to produce outstanding talent versed in the principles and philosophy that underpin the Club’s commitment to how the game should be played.
“They looked like senior players didn’t they? They were vocal and telling the senior players to get back into position and they were so composed on the ball,” Dickov added.
“They didn’t panic - even when Girona, especially in the second half, tried to press further up the field
“They didn’t get flustered; they kept doing what the manager wants them to do.
“You can also tell they’ve come through this fantastic Academy system.
“They are taught to play like that from the ages of eight and nine and it goes all the way through so maybe it should not be as much of a surprise to see how well they settled in.
“But I thought they were outstanding and excellent all round.”
