Paul Dickov lavished praise on to James McAtee, who scored the opener for Manchester City in their 2-1 victory against Bayern Munich.
Speaking to City’s official YouTube channel, the club legend gave his views on the 20-year-old’s display in the first half.
It’s safe to say that Paul Dickov was content with what Manchester City gem James McAtee produced against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Paul Dickov raves about James McAtee as Manchester City beat Bayern Munich
Branded as a ‘special player’ by Pep Guardiola, the youngster has started in back-to-back games during the Sky Blues’ pre-season tour.
Against Thomas Tuchel’s side, the highly-rated midfielder pounced at the chance to tap the ball into an empty net after Julian Alvarez’s initial close-range effort was saved by Yann Sommer.
Paul Dickov reserved special praise for James McAtee, as he put Manchester City into the lead against Bayern Munich.
“Fantastic for him, coming through the academy, big thing for him actually going on the tour. There’s only really…Rico’s [Lewis] part of the first-team squad and Oscar Bobb in the squad that have progressed from the academy, the two of them. He’ll be pleased with that because look, I’m a huge fan of James McAtee even before he went to Sheffield United.”
Paul Dickov had a slight bit of criticism for Manchester City attacker James McAtee that he noticed during the first 45 against Bayern, saying, “But there was a couple of times in the first half where he was a little bit sloppy. Giving the ball away, which led us on the counter.”
“People might say that’s a tap-in but then the best ones go in, don’t they?”
Pep Guardiola may have a plan in store for James McAtee next season
Despite Oscar Bobb having shone even more than the Englishman against Yokohama F.Marinos, it was telling that the latter started once again in his side’s clash against the Bundesliga champions.
Much like Paul Dickov, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola clearly rates the silky technician highly, as his faith in him was rewarded after his predatory strike against Bayern.
Deploying him as a creative midfielder in both games, perhaps Guardiola could utilise him as an understudy to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden next season, which would be a huge step forward in the young buck’s career.
