da dobrowin： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
da heads bet： The Guardian journalist Jamie Jackson has identified Taylor Harwood-Bellis as one to watch for Manchester City this week as they take on Southampton in the EFL Cup.
What did he say?
City will firstly face off with the Saints on Tuesday before they face them at the Etihad Stadium again in the Premier League on Saturday. Pep Guardiola can be expected to make the changes for the upcoming tie given the stature of the competition, and one man Jackson has picked out to step up is Harwood-Bellis.
The teenager made his City senior debut in the last round of the Carabao Cup, playing 90 minutes against Preston North End and keeping a clean sheet.
In an article published by The Guardian regarding young players to watch in the domestic cup this week, Jackson said: ‘When the 17-year-old centre-back made his debut in the 3-0 win at Preston in the previous round the City fan lived the dream of the boy who was at the Etihad to witness Sergio Agüero’s unforgettable late winner against Queens Park Rangers that clinched the 2011-12 title.
‘Pep Guardiola admires Harwood-Bellis’s ball skills and a relish for tackling that the 6ft 2in defender says has only ‘developed in the last four or five years’. Harwood-Bellis, who was composed at Deepdale, is yet to complete his physical development.’
Another chance for him to shine
The Stockport-born defender registered a 7.1 rating in the fixture against Preston – only four outfield players scored higher ratings. In the same game, the youth product looked controlled and confident throughout the entire game, playing 84 passes out from the back at a 93% success rate.
Furthermore, he made 96 touches – only Eric Garcia alongside him had more. This time around, against the Saints, Harwood-Bellis will have the addition of the home crowd on his side, which could add to his confidence.
A positive performance from the youngster may force him into Guardiola’s side a little more often in the future. Injuries to Aymeric Laporte and Rodri have left the defensive spots wide open and, with a good performance on Tuesday, the Spaniard may have be compelled to think about where Harwood-Bellis fits into his long term vision.
This is his chance to show the Etihad faithful what he can do.