U16s lift cup to make it a great weekend for club
LEICESTER City made it a winning long weekend when their Under-16s beat Manchester City to lift the Premier League Cup on Bank Holiday Monday, writes Jordan Blackwell.
For the 1,500 fans at the King Power Stadium, it was a glimpse of the stars of tomorrow.
There was plenty to be excited by. Given Man City’s recent success in producing world-class players through their academy like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, beating them at any age group is impressive.
And Leicester’s 2-1 extra time win wasn’t a smash-and-grab. They had the better share of chances across the game.
So who stood out? Jake Evans, scorer of both goals, was perhaps the pick of the bunch.
His ball control, strength under pressure, dribbling ability, and threat in the final third marked him out as one to watch.
Starting as an inverted right-sided winger before moving up front, Evans had the finishing touch too, slotting home the penalty for the first then rifling in the second off the crossbar to win it with five minutes to go in extra time.
It’s no surprise he’s already represented England at youth level.
Jeremy Monga, on the left wing, was just as good in his close control and ball-carrying, and it was his quick feet that earned City’s penalty.
Others to catch the eye include Will Lawrence in deep midfield, a Declan Rice type with a good range of passing, composure, who can put in a tough tackle.
William Daniels had plenty of energy in getting forward from leftback and delivering some dangerous crosses into the box, while attacking midfielder Luqman Aideed did excellently for the winning goal, pinching possession and bringing the ball forward before feeding Evans.
But what also stood out was the commitment to the cause.
Players were putting in recovery runs to cover for team-mates when they ventured forwards, while there was plenty of bravery in winning headers and making blocks.
It should be a day they remember for some time, especially with such a big crowd at the King Power.
Pleasingly, there were a few of the Under-21 lads there to cheer them on as well.
City Under-16s: Marson, Sutherington, Diallo, Adedeji, Daniels, Lawrence, Page, Evans, Aideed, Monga, Hutchinson.
Stretton, Jacklin, Toko, De Lisle, Owusu.