Manchester City talent James McAtee made his Premier League debut on Sunday – and Gary Neville was blown away by one moment.
City handed a start to young playmaker Cole Palmer before substituting him for fellow young talent McAtee.
If anybody deserved a call up to the City senior squad, it’s McAtee – who has been linked with Liverpool.
The 19-year-old has racked up 10 goals and two assists in just 10 Premier League 2 outings this season.
McAtee was given a Premier League chance against Everton playing a brief part in City’s 3-0 win.
McAtee may have sensed a chance to score as he jinked around the penalty area having been picked out by Bernardo Silva.
After showing quick feet, McAtee was eventually crowded out – but it was enough to impress pundit Neville.
Speaking in the 88th minute of Sky’s coverage, Neville suggested that McAtee is just yet another technically-gifted midfielder emerging from the City ranks, just like Palmer and Phil Foden.
“They’re like clones – they’re all the same,” said Neville. “It’s almost like David Silva has left them all behind,” he added.
City must now look to keep McAtee at the Etihad Stadium though, amid speculation over his future.
The Daily Mail claimed earlier this month that Liverpool are looking to sign McAtee.
The playmaker has just over 18 months left on his contract and could walk away from the Etihad Stadium in 2023.
With McAtee emerging in the City first team and earning praise from Neville, Liverpool may believe the teenager is a huge talent for the future and well worth bringing to Anfield.
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