Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has singled out academy graduate Ryan McAidoo for high praise, revealing the young winger perfectly embodies the aggressive style he demands from his wide players.
Maresca Hands Ryan McAidoo First City Start Against Norwich
The 18-year-old is set to make his first senior start for City in tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup tie against Norwich, having already featured twice as a substitute in the Premier League this season.
McAidoo’s fearless approach has clearly caught the eye of the Italian coach, who referenced his very first press conference at the club to highlight his long-standing admiration for the teenager.
“I said that he’s the kind of winger that I love,” Maresca explained.
“Because he’s not scared, he wants the ball, he will always be aggressive, 1v1, 1v1, 1v1.
Sometimes you see a winger that they receive the ball, they’re there and they play back. Ryan receives the ball, go forward, go forward.”
The City manager confirmed that McAidoo’s brief Premier League cameos have done nothing to change his positive impression, stating that the youngster has remained consistent in his approach.
McAidoo forms part of a trio of academy talents promoted to the first-team squad this summer. Floyd Samba and Kaden Braithwaite have also made the step up and are expected to feature against Norwich.
Maresca described Samba as an attacking midfielder with a good finish, while he noted Braithwaite’s physical strength and ability to cover both centre-back and full-back.
The coach emphasised the unique connection academy players share with the club, pointing to Phil Foden as an example.
“If you speak with Phil, City is his club,” Maresca said.
“If you speak with another player that is not from the academy, probably his club is another one. So they feel in a different way.”
