CITY Talented Rabbi is on fast-track to success with Blues
RABBI Matondo’s star is rising quickly, so it is a good job the City youngster appears so comfortable taking everything in his stride.
At times the magnitude of the challenges hit home, be it waiting to come on against the imposing frames of Rotherham’s senior team in the Checkatrade Trophy or trying to keep up with Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan in a first-team training session.
And yet judging by the performances to date of this pacy attacker in his first full season playing for the City academy, you wouldn’t know it.
Four goals in two starts for the under-18s, a goal at Feyenoord in the UEFA Youth League and no sign of nerves in the Under-23s, Matondo has looked at ease playing up the age groups – and in an unfamiliar position.
“If I could choose I’d probably play left-wing or striker, but at the moment I’m playing right-wing and liking it,” he said.
“I wasn’t really used to it at first but now I have played there I’m starting to like it.
“My two favourite positions are probably left-wing and striker. I’m right footed but I like to cut in. I tend to cut in sometimes on the right but I haven’t got a left foot so I don’t have too many options other than pass the ball or try and do something!”
The teenager had several offers to further his career before plumping for City. His displays for Cardiff schools and in the club’s academy were regularly scouted, with United among clubs interested.
With the Bluebirds reluctant to give up a player they felt was the brightest prospect in their ranks since Aaron Ramsey, it was City’s perseverance that paid off.
“I was so close to moving [to City] at one stage but then it didn’t end up happening. But my parents wanted me to come to City because they had been after me and haven’t given up on me.
“The other clubs were just giving up when Cardiff said no but City gave Cardiff another offer and, obviously, when I came to visit here, we knew it was the right place to come.”
Matondo had to wait for his chance, with the delay for international clearance wiping out most of last season. It now feels like he is more than making up for lost time.
City have fast-tracked him all the way through their academy teams this season, reflecting the wider changes at that level.
And despite only turning 17 in September he has been given his first Wales Under-21 cap.
City’s recent record of bringing youth players through to the first team is not good, with Jadon Sancho – one of their brightest prospects – leaving in summer because of doubts over the pathway. All Matondo wants, when the time is right, is a chance.
“One of my favourite players at the moment is Kylian Mbappe,” he said.
“He’s just proven that if you get an opportunity you can take it. He’s probably one of the best youngsters in the world right now and he’s smashing it.”