Manchester City's 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite Set for Historic Carabao Cup Debut
Manchester City’s young talent, Kaden Braithwaite, is on the verge of making history as he is set to become the third-youngest player in the club's 130-year existence. At just 16 years old, Braithwaite is expected to start in the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Watford. Under Pep Guardiola, the teenage defender will have a massive opportunity to prove himself, following an impressive run in training sessions. It's worth noting that Braithwaite will be the youngest player to debut for City under Guardiola’s tenure, a significant milestone for both the player and the manager.
Braithwaite's versatility has been key in catching Guardiola’s eye. Capable of playing as a full-back or a left-sided center-back, he has already shown maturity and potential beyond his years. With Guardiola's style of football demanding tactical flexibility, the youngster’s ability to slot into multiple positions makes him a valuable option in City's defensive setup. This has allowed Braithwaite to transition quickly through City's youth ranks. After signing for the club’s academy at the under-9 level, he was promoted to the under-18 team, even earning the vice-captaincy this season.
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City’s clash against Watford follows a tense 2-2 draw with Premier League rivals Arsenal. That game saw John Stones equalizing dramatically in stoppage time to keep City top of the table. As the team heads into this Carabao Cup fixture with only two days of rest, Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad. Braithwaite’s inclusion signals the manager’s willingness to trust his academy products, with key players like Kyle Walker and John Stones potentially featuring alongside the young defender.
The Carabao Cup holds special significance for Manchester City, having won the competition eight times, four of those under Guardiola between 2016 and 2021. This match offers the perfect platform for Braithwaite to test his skills against senior-level opposition while allowing Guardiola to preserve some of his key first-team stars for the longer campaign ahead.
With Braithwaite’s inclusion, City fans are eager to see if the young defender can follow in the footsteps of other academy graduates like Phil Foden. If he performs well, this could mark the start of a promising career at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
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