Manchester City sensation Floyd Samba has lifted the lid on a secret tactical conversation with manager Enzo Maresca that paved the way for his unforgettable senior debut.
Maresca Told Me to Play No. 9: Samba Reflects on Two-Goal City Debut
The 17-year-old academy graduate stole the show on Thursday night, firing a stunning brace in City’s dominant 5-0 Carabao Cup demolition of Norwich City.
With star striker Erling Haaland rested, Maresca sprang a surprise by deploying Samba as a central striker.
The teenager revealed the manager planted the seed days before kick-off.
“Enzo spoke to me on Tuesday to put me as number nine as an idea,” Samba explained.
“And then as it got closer, I knew I would start. I just had to prepare mentally.”
Samba rewarded that faith with a mature performance beyond his years. He opened his senior account just before the half-hour mark, powering home a header from an Allan cross.
He then doubled his tally with a brilliant curling effort, capping a memorable evening at the Etihad.
The youngster admitted he studied Haaland’s predatory instincts to prepare for the role.
“Watching players like Erling, he’s always ready for the next ball,” Samba noted.
“So I had to be ready there to get the header off.”
For his second goal, Samba showcased his awareness, dropping into space before unleashing an unstoppable shot.
Rayan Cherki, Allan, and Ryan McAidoo also found the net, but the night belonged to Samba.
His performance offers Maresca a tantalising glimpse of the future and proves City’s academy production line remains as potent as ever. For Samba, a dream became reality.
