Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany - October 25, 2022. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola applauds fans.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has now called unseen starlet Carlos Borges to training before his side’s Champions League clash against Sevilla tonight.
The Lowdown: Man City sail through…
The Premier League champions are through regardless of what happens at Eastlands and are assured of top spot in Group G after their 0-0 draw at Borussia Dortmund last week.
City have largely impressed in the early stages of their European campaign, with impressive victories at home to Dortmund, away to Sevilla and against FC Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium.
Now into the final year of his contract, Guardiola could have just one last opportunity to clinch a Champions League triumph at City if he doesn’t put pen to paper on fresh terms.
However, tonight marks a real opportunity to hand debuts and precious minutes to previously untested youngsters.
The Latest: Guardiola calls Borges to training…
City’s head coach appears to recognise this as he calls up a plethora of unseen starlets to training, including Portuguese teenager Carlos Borges, who is yet to make his senior professional debut.
The 18-year-old has been dazzling this season for City’s elite development squad and Guardiola’s head appears to have been turned, as shared by journalist Simon Bajkowski in the last 24 hours.
He explained on Tuesday afternoon (via Twitter): “Haaland, Walker and Akanji missing from #mcfc training. Dire Mebude, Carlos Borges and Jardel Katongo join Lewis and Wilson-Esbrand in the group.”
The Verdict: Very promising…
Some in the media have singled out Borges as a ‘special talent‘ due to his incredible performances at youth level recently, with the Manchester Evening News even drawing comparisons to Phil Foden.
Borges has 12 goals and nine assists across the UEFA Youth League, Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy this season in what has been a head-turning start to the 2022/23 campaign, potentially giving Guardiola a big decision to make tonight.
Is it time for the winger to be handed his senior debut in front of thousands of watching City faithful? Let’s wait and see…
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