Got a loy of praise and minted in the first team at an early age - people talk of the City game when he made his mark - but I rember him coming on away at Chelsea away in a desperate team performance in a humiliation on a Saturday Bonfirre Night when we were insipid - and I thought he was our best player on the night despite coming off the bench when the result was long gone. He shamed a few first teasers that night with his ability to pass the ball forward.
That said, he is what he is....an incredibly technical and proficient footballer. He is the product of an Academy alright in that he can do all the basics - and to a level above his age group - that is asked of a midfielder. It’s no surprise he plays well for England age groups, he is better than most lads of his age. But.......he doesn’t influence games in the Premiership on any regular basis, probably never will. Would he stand out in say Leeds’ midfield or Bournemouth ? I say this because he reminds me of Lewis Cook....a young footballer with incredible ability but who at the end of the day, is good.....not great. I think Silva will call on him now and then, but realises there are more effective options that can affect games at this level. He’s a squad player, an option off the bench, the fortunes of others ahead of him will determine how often he gets to play......then it’s up to him. It’s a cruel profession at this level and I’d be surprised if he has a long term future in our first team.