James McAtee has now revealed that he is inspired by a certain Manchester City player’s journey.
After Manchester City’s 4-3 defeat at the hands of Celtic, Pep Guardiola confirmed that McAtee will be in the senior team next season.
Former City striker and now-pundit Paul Dickov also claimed that the 21-year-old is a “Pep Guardiola player.”
McAtee certainly looked the part during the Sky Blues’ opening game during their pre-season tour of the US.
The Englishman created plenty of chances, showcased once again that he is an excellent technician and looked like he belonged in the first-team before being taken off at half-time.
James McAtee says he aims to emulate Phil Foden in one respect
McAtee will be hoping to play a part in City’s upcoming games in pre-season.
The Sky Blues face AC Milan next and the rest of their tour will feature games against Barcelona and Chelsea.
The youngster has a huge opportunity on his hands to impress Pep Guardiola.
McAtee has discussed how much like Phil Foden, he aims to bide his time at Manchester City and eventually become a first-team regular over time.
The England U-21 international said via the Daily Mail: “If you look at Phil [Foden], Rico [Lewis], Oscar [Bobb], they’ve been patient and been rewarded.”
“My mindset is definitely different [this year]. I’m going to see how this tour goes. Obviously, it’s my dream to play for this club.”
McAtee continued: “I’m not really fussed about minutes. I just want to learn from the best manager, the best players and it’s not really about minutes. I’ve gone out and got my minutes, with the physicality of the men’s game.”
“Obviously I know the demands and quality in this team. If I wasn’t to get minutes it’s not something I’d be upset with but my aim is to prove myself and get into the team as much as I can. I need to earn that.”
Best way for McAtee to make the cut at Man City is the Foden route
McAtee proved he is ready to play in the Premier League during his one-season loan at Sheffield United but for him to make the grade at Manchester City, it would be best for him to stay in their senior side, much like Foden.
The £225,000-a-week man’s patience, which McAtee referenced has played a massive role in his eventual success.
The highly-rated midfielder will have to impress Guardiola and prove that he can deliver the goods at the highest possible level by playing in a City shirt.
Adapting to the Catalan’s ever-changing tactical demands, the pressure of playing for a club of Manchester City’s stature and performing in big games are also facets of being a top player he will be unable to experience as a mere loanee elsewhere.
But by waiting for his golden opportunities at the Etihad Stadium, McAtee would have a chance of showing the club eventually that there is no choice but to make him a starter.
For that, the silky technician will have to stay put at his boyhood club, train alongside some of the best players in the world, learn his trade from Pep Guardiola and remain as patient as Foden did.
