Manchester Metropolis’s Prodigy On Dortmund’s Radar

Manchester Metropolis’s workforce post-takeover has change into unrecognisable. Superstars from all over the world have graced Etihad Stadium. In such a state of affairs, it turns into tough for academy merchandise to make a reputation for themselves within the first workforce. Solely prodigiously proficient children get a sniff of the primary workforce, and solely world-class ones go on to ascertain themselves there. Phil Foden has been adopted by Rico Lewis, who appears set to be adopted by Shea Charles.

Who’s Shea Charles?

A tough-tackling defensive midfielder, Shea Charles has made waves in Manchester Metropolis’s youth squads ever since he joined the membership as an Below-9 participant.

He has jumped via the age teams with startling effectivity, with the Metropolis coaches at all times pushing him to the subsequent degree. He signed his first skilled contract with the membership in July 2021. Thereafter, he moved to Metropolis’s EDS (Elite Growth Squad). The EDS has been the breeding floor for a lot of proficient Metropolis children up to now. The likes of Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, and lots of extra have tread this path earlier than Charles.

Manchester Metropolis have actually amped up their youth teaching and recruitment for the reason that takeover and the outcomes are actually arriving. Charles is the most recent breakthrough prospect.

Shea Charles potential

Pep Guardiola has modified the playbook on the membership. His model of positional soccer is now taught throughout all age teams in Manchester Metropolis. This was significantly clear when Rico Lewis made his first-team debut and performed 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 identical faculty. Capable of play as a defensive midfielder, a centre-back, and even as a right-back, Charles is a jack of all trades in defence. With common recreation time within the coming years, he has the potential to change into a grasp of them too. Nonetheless, he has made essentially the most influence as a defensive midfielder. If he can enhance his passing additional, that will be his best function sooner or later.

With Manchester Metropolis not having many in a position backups to Rodri in that place, there’s a gap available if Shea Charles continues his ascent. He lately made the bench for the primary leg of Manchester Metropolis’s UCL fixture in opposition to RB Leipzig on February 22, 2023.

How good was Shea Charles final night time!? 👏🏻 #GAWA pic.twitter.com/EvRJyWuamL

— Northern Eire (@NorthernIreland) March 24, 2023

The image is even rosier on the worldwide degree. Shea Charles has already made his senior debut for Northern Eire. Having performed for all age teams for his nation, he made his senior worldwide debut in opposition to Greece on June 2, 2022, then made his first senior begin on June 5 in opposition to Cyprus.

Stats

For a defensive midfielder, who additionally performs as a CB generally, objectives and assists can by no means present the complete image. Nonetheless, Charles’ significance to an excellent Metropolis EDS could be seen from one stat.

Within the 2022-23 PL2 season (U23s), Charles has made 20 appearances, being within the beginning eleven 100% of the time, taking part in 99% of all obtainable minutes. Shea Charles is the primary title on the teamsheet in a squad filled with elite prospects. He has performed a complete of two,694 minutes in 30 appearances throughout all competitions (together with EFL Trophy and UEFA Youth League).

That is fairly the photograph from #mcfc yesterday, L to R

Nico O’Reilly with the U17 PL Cup
Rico Lewis with the U18 PL Trophy
Fernandinho with the PL Trophy
Shea Charles with the PL2 Trophy
Lakyle Samuel with the U16 PL Cup pic.twitter.com/Mrs2hLVklg

— Simon Bajkowski (@spbajko) May 23, 2022

He has a single help to his title and is but to attain. Nonetheless, he has been an important member of the Metropolis EDS which has retained the PL2 title and is at present main the pack once more.

Shea Charles’ taking part in model. 

A combative defensive midfielder who likes to place in a sort out, Shea Charles is a little bit of a throwback by way of taking part in model. Nonetheless, he has proven glowing enchancment in his vary of passing and imaginative and prescient this season. He’s able to taking part in progressive passes from the deep when the scenario calls for however he’s in his component whereas breaking apart opposition strikes, both with fast tackles, or good interceptions.

A very good senior comparability, purely by way of taking part in model and never potential/skill, could be to the defensive midfielder within the ranks of their metropolis rivals- Casemiro.

Moreover, Charles’ versatility has allowed his managers to make use of him in quite a lot of roles. Stints at CB and RB have given him a extra rounded skillset.

Charles has an inherent management ability that helps him rally the workforce. Mixed along with his skill and character, Manchester Metropolis have a possible captain on their palms if every thing breaks proper for him in his profession. Earlier than that, nevertheless, there’s a query of holding on to him.

Future at Manchester Metropolis

A proficient younger participant breaks via, the elite senior squad haven’t any place for him, he seeks new pastures, and prospers elsewhere. Manchester Metropolis have seen this story earlier than. It occurred with Jadon Sancho, and a repeat may occur with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

There’s a feeling of deja vu with regards to Shea Charles as nicely. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Borussia Dortmund is monitoring Charles’ scenario at The Cityzens. His skilled deal expires in 2027 so there’s no have to panic there. Nonetheless, an absence of senior alternatives may tempt Charles to look elsewhere.

Curiosity is rising round Shea Charles, Man Metropolis proficient midfielder born in 2003 — already taking part in for Northern Eire 🔵 #MCFC

Perceive Borussia Dortmund are keeping track of him 🟡⚫️ #BVB

Charles, one other instance of Man Metropolis academy producing homegrown expertise. pic.twitter.com/k2d1jPkWqb

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 25, 2023

German Bundesliga has change into a flourishing house for a lot of English children. If Man Metropolis are usually not capable of present him with the required recreation time, they may lose him to Dortmund.

Jadon Sancho got here again to their metropolis rivals as an alternative in a extremely celebrated deal on the time, Metropolis would need to keep away from a repeat of that this time.