Former Ireland International Richard Dunne says Manchester City can reap the rewards from persisting with their academy.
City included Tosin Adarabioyo and Braham Diaz in last night’s Premier League squad to play WBA. Both Adarbioyo and Diaz have filtered through the club’s youth system. Dunne believes it’s good for City, and their fans, to produce homegrown players on top of investing 100’s of millions on talent.
Dunne joined last night’s OTB to discuss City’s season so far.
“City pride themselves’ on how good their academy is. It’s only good when you look at it, and it looks great, and all that. But if it’s not producing players, then it’s actually no use, said Dunne’
City’s Ibrahim made an impression from the bench last night against the “The Baggies”, and Guardiola handed a Premier League debut to BBC young sports personality of the year winner, Phil Foden, last December against Spurs.
Dunne says the last number of months have come as a welcome change for city with the emergence of a number of academy players. The former centre back believes it's a welcome change for City, and something that should stand to them in the future.
The former Irish international says it’s important for the club, and their fans, to keep the flow of youth coming through the club. He believes it’s crucial for the clubs fan base and identity to keep the youth system flowing.
He says they need players who recognize the club’s history and morals from an early age, so they can help carry traditions and history of the club.
“They are starting to bring some players through, which makes it worthwhile. I think for a club like Man City, they do get slagged because they always spend so much money. It’s always for them and their fans to have players who understand; and know the roots of the club, and how the club functions."
You can listen to the full interview with Richard Dunne from last night's OTB below:
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
