Maresca Promotes Three Academy Stars to Man City First Team

Enzo Maresca has handed first-team promotions to three Manchester City academy players, with Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite and Floyd Samba all now training with the senior squad daily.

Pre-season Decision

The City boss decided to keep the trio with his senior group after pre-season, and all three will be involved in Thursday night's Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City at the Etihad. It marks the beginning of City's defence of the trophy they lifted last season.

For Maresca, age is largely irrelevant if a young player is good enough and has the right attitude. That philosophy has opened the door for McAidoo, Braithwaite and Samba, who have impressed enough to earn regular spots among the first-team group.

McAidoo Makes His Mark

McAidoo, an 18-year-old winger, has already made two Premier League appearances this season. Maresca first called him 'the kind of winger I love' after he impressed against Inter during City's pre-season tour of Asia. The teenager's direct style and fearlessness have clearly caught the manager's eye.

Braithwaite offers versatility in defence, a quality that has earned him senior minutes this season. Samba, described by Maresca as an attacking midfielder who can get into the penalty area and finish, is still waiting for his opportunity. That chance may come on Thursday.

The Foden Example

When explaining the connection a homegrown player can have with the club, Maresca pointed to Phil Foden as the obvious example. Foden's journey from academy prospect to first-team mainstay serves as a blueprint for the latest batch of hopefuls.

But promotion comes with scrutiny. Maresca revealed that ability, attitude and behaviour are monitored even when the youngsters drop back into the EDS, with a member of his staff accompanying them. It's a clear message: the standards don't change, regardless of which squad you're training with.

For now, McAidoo and Braithwaite have already tasted senior football this season, while Samba waits in the wings. All three will get their chance to impress against Norwich as City begin their Carabao Cup defence.