The ‘cityzen’ youth team made a big claim in the 8-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup. Nico O’Reilly and Divin Mubama, signed from West Ham, scored their first goal with the ‘seniors’, while James John McAtee (Salford, 18-10-2002) scored the first hat-trick of his career.
The number ’87’, who already knew what it was like to score in the Champions League with the ‘sky blues’, scored the first hat trick by an English City player in the FA Cup… since Robbie Fowler in 2006.
Guardiola: “He is a special player”
“He scored three goals, but he can play better. His first half could be improved… but he made up for it with his great work ethic, his composure and his rhythm,” acknowledged Pep Guardiola, who did not hesitate to throw ‘flowers’ at the English playmaker. , under 21 international: “He is a special player.”
Third victory in a row for Guardiola’s men with a hat-trick from James McAtee
And so much. After two loans to Sheffield United – he scored 14 goals and provided eight assists in 75 games between the Premier and Championship -, McAtee, little by little, has made his way into City’s (short) rotation. “I have told Begiristain. I don’t want him to go on loan or transferred. I need his specific ability in small spaces,” Pep warned in the summer.
I don’t want him to go on loan or transferred. I need your specific skill in small spaces
Pep Guardiola
Time has proven him right. McAtee, recently, was already providential – he replaced Foden in the 66th minute – in the 0-2 draw against Leicester. His change of pace to break Kristiansen opened a ‘highway’ for Haaland’s goal. “I have no doubts about him at all. He hasn’t done a single bad action. He’s so mature…” Guardiola pointed out after his performance against the ‘Foxes’.
The truth is that McAtee has survived the ‘diaspora’ that has taken away the main talents of the ‘sky blue’ Academy in recent years. “He is a City fan. He has been in the youth team for many years and is one of the greatest talents of his generation along with Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Romeo Lávia, Morgan Rogers, Harwood-Bellis and Liam Delap,” says the former City coach. Barcelona and Bayern.
He is one of the greatest talents of his generation along with Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Liam Delap
Pep Guardiola
With all of them, to a greater or lesser extent, City has made money: 47 million for Palmer, 23 for Harwood-Bellis, 22 for Lávia, 21 for Sancho… McAtee, on the other hand, is fighting to fulfill his dream of child. “James played with all of them and was always their captain. I am very, very, very happy that he is here with us,” insists Guardiola.
