RABBI MATONDO

AGE: 18 CLUB: MANCHESTER CITY POSITION: RIGHT WING VALUE: £2M

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

THE Welsh Under 21 international looks so quick one cannot afford to blink for fear of missing one of his rocket-like bursts. His acceleration from a standing start to sprint is electric, very similar to Adama Traore of Wolves. The day I saw him, Matondo played from the kick-off as a wide right forward and he immediately sprung to life, bursting past the opposing wing back and testing the beleaguered left centre back of three. Powerfully built and right-footed, he was not, however, given enough supply of the ball. When he did receive it he only had one thought in his mind and that was to drive past defenders. As a counter-attacker he just went ‘whoosh!’ He may lack a little guile at times and is mostly direct but then he did look for combinations too, particularly when he switched over late on to the left side. Twice he cut in and forced the goalkeeper to make excellent saves. Maybe he could also produce more from his little darts for himself. But twice his through-passes provided goal chances that were spurned.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

MAYBE he could have done more to attract the ball. I would like to have seen him race forward and then check back to receive possession, but he does have a wonderful habit of wanting to get behind defenders. I wondered if he could position himself better to make himself available to accept a pass, and also if his off-the-ball running could be improved to make space for others. It will be fascinating if the Liverpool-born youngster challenges the more subtle Manchester City players such as Mahrez and the two Silvas. Certainly he would hold his own against fellow club speedsters Walker, Sterling and Sane. The challenge is to add other qualities to his game as the competition at City is immense.