Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has highly praised young winger Ryan McAidoo, describing him as “the kind of winger I love,” as the club prepares for its Carabao Cup third-round match against Norwich City on Thursday, 17 September. McAidoo, 18, is expected to start in the fixture, with Maresca confirming changes to the squad that recently defeated Manchester United.
Maresca’s Philosophy on Young Talent
Enzo Maresca has consistently stated that age does not factor into his selection process, prioritising a player’s attitude, work ethic, and ability above all else. He underlined this philosophy in a recent press conference, saying, “When young players are good players, the age is not going to close or open the door,” according to Manchester City FC. The manager, known for trusting Academy graduates throughout his career, including at Leicester and Chelsea, draws parallels to players like Phil Foden, noting that Academy players possess a distinct “feeling” for City as their club. Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite, and Floyd Samba are three promising youngsters who now train daily with the first team, having been kept on permanently by Maresca after the pre-season tour.
Ryan McAidoo: A Dynamic Winger
Ryan McAidoo has particularly captured Maresca’s attention. The City boss reiterated his admiration for the 18-year-old winger, stating, “he’s the kind of winger that I love… he’s not scared, he wants the ball, he will always be aggressive, 1v1, 1v1, 1v1.” Maresca highlighted McAidoo’s direct style, noting that while some wingers play back, “Ryan receives the ball, go forward, go forward,” as reported by Hayters. McAidoo, who joined City from Chelsea’s academy two years ago, has already featured as a substitute in two Premier League matches this season, playing against Crystal Palace and Coventry. His pressing was previously described as ‘insane’ by assistant Pep Lijnders after he scored on his debut against Exeter last season, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Braithwaite and Samba’s Development
Joining McAidoo in Maresca’s plans are defender Kaden Braithwaite and midfielder Floyd Samba. Braithwaite, described as a physically imposing yet composed defender, made his City debut at 16, becoming the third-youngest player to feature for the club. He has since appeared as a substitute in a Premier League victory at Crystal Palace. Maresca noted Braithwaite’s versatility, capable of playing as a central defender or full-back, and his physical strength, which he has actively developed through boxing classes to improve his duels on the pitch. Floyd Samba, an attack-minded midfielder, has progressed through every age group at City’s academy. He signed his first professional contract in August and is known for his ability to arrive in the box and his good finishing. While yet to make his competitive debut under Maresca, Samba was the top scorer at the KDB Cup in 2024 and scored in the FA Youth Cup final. Both Braithwaite and Samba have continued to play with youth teams this season to maintain their sharpness, even while training with the first team. Maresca expects them to be “good examples” when they drop back to the EDS.
Carabao Cup Presents an Opportunity
The Carabao Cup clash with Norwich City offers a prime opportunity for these young talents to gain senior match experience. Manchester City, nine-time winners of the competition and defending champions from the 2025/26 season, will host Norwich at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, 17 September, with a 19:30 (UK) kick-off. Tickets are available at £20 for adults and £5 for children. Maresca’s decision to rotate the squad underlines his commitment to integrating academy players, ensuring they are ready to contribute to the first team.