Manchester City’s team post-takeover has become unrecognisable. Superstars from around the world have graced Etihad Stadium. In such a scenario, it becomes difficult for academy products to make a name for themselves in the first team. Only prodigiously talented youngsters get a sniff of the first team, and only world-class ones go on to establish themselves there. Phil Foden has been followed by Rico Lewis, who looks set to be followed by Shea Charles.
Who is Shea Charles?
A hard-tackling defensive midfielder, Shea Charles has made waves in Manchester City’s youth squads ever since he joined the club as an Under-9 player.
He has jumped through the age groups with startling efficiency, with the City coaches always pushing him to the next level. He signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2021. Thereafter, he moved to City’s EDS (Elite Development Squad). The EDS has been the breeding ground for many talented City youngsters in the past. The likes of Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, and many more have tread this path before Charles.
Manchester City have really amped up their youth coaching and recruitment since the takeover and the results are now arriving. Charles is the latest breakthrough prospect.
Shea Charles potential
Pep Guardiola has changed the playbook at the club. His style of positional football is now taught across all age groups in Manchester City. This was particularly clear when Rico Lewis made his first-team debut and played as an inverted wing-back (full-back who comes into the midfield) like he had been doing that for years.
Shea Charles comes from the same school. Able to play as a defensive midfielder, a centre-back, or even as a right-back, Charles is a jack of all trades in defence. With regular game time in the coming years, he has the potential to become a master of them too. However, he has made the most impact as a defensive midfielder. If he can improve his passing further, that would be his ideal role in the future.
With Manchester City not having many able backups to Rodri in that position, there is an opening to be had if Shea Charles continues his ascent. He recently made the bench for the first leg of Manchester City’s UCL fixture against RB Leipzig on February 22, 2023.
How good was Shea Charles last night!? 👏🏻 #GAWA pic.twitter.com/EvRJyWuamL
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) March 24, 2023
The picture is even rosier at the international…
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