Wonderkids & wing-backs: Three future Man City stars to watch out for against Sunderland tonight

Jayden Braff

EFL Trophy Games/Goals: 1/2

The Netherlands youth international is an exciting winger, who is comfortable on either flank, whilst also being more than capable operating in a central position. He is regarded as one of the best talents of his age group in the Netherlands and turned down the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich before joining City this past summer.

He only turned 16 in August, but he was the man of the match as City’s young guns disposed of Rochdale in the last round, where he netted a brace.

As pacey as they come, he started his career at the famous Ajax academy, before choosing Pep Guardiola and City as the place where he could hone his immense potential.

With Tom Flanagan lining up against Newcastle’s U-21 side last month, you’d hope we’ll have enough experience in the squad to handle a player who is not yet old enough to legally drink a pint! However, Rochdale will have felt the same in the third round and yet here we are.

Luke Bolton

EFL Trophy Games/Goals: 2/1

The 19-year-old was one of the stars of Man. City’s pre-season tour of America. Staring at right wing-back against Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Bolton has been included in City’s Champions League squad for the latter stages of the competition; however, he may well feature on Tuesday night against the Lads.

Although normally a winger, Bolton can feature anywhere down the right hand side and has performed at full back during pre-season for the first team. Although he is yet to feature for the first team in the league, he has performed well during this season’s EFL Trophy.

He’s an England Under-20 international and won the Toulon Tournament back in 2017.

Ian Poveda

EFL Trophy Games/Goals: 5/2

Growing up with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson, the attacking midfielder is seen as Man. City’s next wonder-kid, despite only appearing for City’s U21 side so far.

The youngster has played in every game in the competition thus far, notching two goals and assisting another. Although he’s eligible for Columbia, he has represented England at U17 and U18 level since being snapped up from Brentford’s youth system back in 2015.

Once on the books of Arsenal and Malaga, he had a short spell at Barcelona, but could not sign due to their well documented issues with the rules governing the signing of young players.

Tricky, pacey and with a strong eye for goal, the midfielder can play on either wing, but is more suited to a number 10 role.