Enzo Maresca has hailed Floyd Samba after the Manchester City teenager announced himself with a stunning two-goal senior debut against Norwich.
The 17-year-old struck once in each half as City powered to a 5-0 victory over Norwich, booking their place in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
But Samba’s goals were only part of what impressed Maresca.
The City boss revealed that the teenager was playing in an almost completely unfamiliar position, having been pushed into the No.9 role despite admitting he had never played there before.
“I’m satisfied not just for the two goals, but for the entire performance – he was good,” said Maresca.
“He didn’t play many games as a No.9, but we tried him there in the last few days.
“I asked him in the last three or four days when I decided to play him as a nine – I asked him if he had played [that role] and he said he had never played there before!
“He’s very good at finishing so I think it was a good game for him.
“He is a not a 9 for sure but he was good, he is young full of energy, he is strong, he can finish and he made some good decisions, some passes to team mates.
“So I am happy, but again, they are young and we need to go slowly with them.
“We have different competitions. We have many games. We are just at the beginning of the season for sure the ones that played tonight during the season will play Premier League games and Champions League games as the season is so long.
“I said we had Antoine there, depends a little but the game plan we can use Phil and Rayan as a false nine, but for sure he played tonight, he was good and hopefully we can give him more chances.”
Samba’s performance could not have come at a better time for City, with the club facing a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.
Maresca made it clear that opportunities will come for the younger players as the season develops, but he also stressed the need to manage their progress carefully.
For Samba, however, the first opportunity could hardly have gone better.
Two goals on his senior debut, a place in the next round and a performance that earned strong praise from his manager gives the teenager a platform to build on.
City also had another debutant make an immediate impression against Norwich.
Brazilian winger Allan enjoyed an eye-catching first appearance, contributing an assist before adding a fine goal of his own.
Maresca admitted the opening minutes were difficult for the youngster but was delighted with the way he adapted to the demands of English football.
“I think it was a good performance. It was not easy – the first minutes here at home is always complicated.
“I think it was important for him to play to see a little bit of the English competition is a bit different to South America, so overall, it was good, he scored a goal and an assist – I think he is happy!”
The Carabao Cup victory ultimately became a showcase for City’s emerging talent.
Samba grabbed the headlines with his two goals, while Allan made his own mark with a goal and an assist.
For Maresca, the result offered more than just progression to the last 16. It gave several young players valuable senior minutes and provided evidence that City’s squad has options beyond its established stars.
Samba’s next challenge will be to turn a memorable debut into regular opportunities.
After scoring twice in a position he had barely played, the 17-year-old has certainly given Maresca something to think about.
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