The 10 young Leicester City players looking to force their way into Enzo Maresca’s squad
Enzo Maresca is taking a closer look at sohttps://sportwing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/enzo-maresca.pngme of leicester city promising talents to see if they can step up and be a part of his Championship.
So far, 10 development squad and academy players have been spotted in first-team training this week, and we’ve put together a lowdown on each of them. Let us know in the comments section who you most would like to see given an opportunity in pre-season matches.
Jakub Stolarczyk (22)
The Polish goalkeeper was tipped for the very top by Brendan Rodgers this time last year and he was able to get some game-time in pre-season matches. He then went out on loan, first to Fleetwood and then to Hartlepool, but couldn’t stop the latter from being relegated out of the EFL, despite positive reviews for his showings.
George Hirst (24)
The oldest of the group, it’s make-or-break time for Hirst. Last season, he again struggled in the Championship, but again impressed in League One, helping Ipswich to promotion. If there’s no future for him at City, the Tractor Boys will be keen to take him back.
Lewis Brunt (22)
The development squad’s skipper was around the first team throughout last season, and managed a couple of outings in January. He is now at the age where he needs to be making a true breakthrough, and with maresca seemingly stacking up on centre-backs, there may be an opening for him.
Ben Nelson (19)
Along with the injured Braybrooke and Alves, Nelson is perhaps the highest-rated of City’s young players. He’s been earmarked as a potential first-team player since his early teens and got plenty of senior experience last term at Rochdale and Doncaster, playing more minutes in League Two than any other player his age or younger. But is it too much of a leap to become a Championship player?
Brad Young (21)
Goalkeeper Young joined from Hartlepool a couple of summer ago and after impressing with the Under-21s in his first year, he was loaned out to Notts County last term. He barely got any minutes there and came back early, so will hope for a more suitable opportunity this season.
Kasey McAteer (21
The versatile McAteer made his first City start in January and then promptly went on loan to Wimbledon where he bagged his first senior goal. He has spoken about wanting to make a breakthrough and get more league minutes with City this season, and he would provide an option for Maresca on the wing, in attacking midfield, or even as a forward-thinking full-back. He was liked by Rodgers for his running ability and his game intelligence.
Tawanda Maswanhise (20)
He lit up pre-season a couple of years ago and has been one of the Under-21s’ top performers ever since, finishing as the leading scorer last season, spending his time playing up front or off the left wing. He’s quick – his dad was a sprinter who competed at the Commonwealth Games – and can finish, qualities that will be liked by any manager.
Wanya Marcal-Madivadua (20)
The Portuguese has one senior appearance to his name, in the FA Cup two seasons ago, and was on the bench in the Premier League four times last term as Rodgers and then Dean Smith kept him close to the first team. A winger or an attacking midfielder, Marcal-Madivadua has caught the eye with his dribbling ability and his knack of ghosting into good positions in the penalty area.
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