Earlier this season, Manchester City fans were introduced to Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, amid a spate of injuries in the first-team squad.
Pep Guardiola handed him his first outing as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup, with Manchester City losing that game 2-1.
Days later, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was thrown in at the deep end, as he started against Sporting CP away in the Champions League.
He went up against one of Europe’s top strikers in Viktor Gyokeres, and the contest was a steep learning curve for the youngster. Micah Richards said Simpson-Pusey was ‘exposed’ that night against Sporting.
But Guardiola did praise Simpson-Pusey for his efforts.
He made six appearances for the first-team this term, and some were not too moved by what they saw.
But Simpson-Pusey has been brilliant for the academy, and yesterday he was actually named the PL2 Player of the Season, becoming the first defender ever to win the award.
He is also the fourth City player to win, after Liam Delap, James McAtee and Carlos Forbs.
Simpson-Pusey was instrumental for City as they kept six clean sheets, and the captain also chipped in with a couple of goals and an assist.
And following this, some City fans have been talking on social media.
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The perception of Simpson-Pusey has perhaps been distorted.
City were in their toughest period for many years earlier in the season, and the teenager was perhaps an easy target at times.
But he is very clearly a bright prospect.
To win Player of the Season as a defender is a very impressive feat, and some City fans have been expressing their sympathy for Simpson-Pusey after a tough time in the first-team, with some also suggesting he should be getting another first-team chance next term.
@MCFC_Fizzy said: “Pep’s management of him was so shocking. A lot of young players would never recover from that type of treatment.”
@Cayhlebs added: “I hope we find a way to integrate him into the first team instead of selling him. He definitely has the potential.”
@16_Rodri_ said: “Bring him to the first team.”
@debruyne_12 added: “Bring him to the first team next season.”
What Pep Guardiola has said about Simpson-Pusey
Back in November, Guardiola talked up Simpson-Pusey, saying: “The guy played really good, the young lad again, with this composure and duels and everything was good. It’s not easy for him,” Guardiola said of the Huddersfield-born defender.
“Normally the young lads, they must come in with support from the team, with Rodri in front of them, right? With the best Kyle [Walker], and defenders, and now we support him.
“Now he’s playing in a position that is difficult for him but he performed unbelievable. We have a central defender to help us for the future, for the next years. I’m really pleased. Always there is good news when the situation goes bad, and this is one of them.”
City are set for a busy summer and it’s possible new central defenders could come in, with question marks over the futures of Nathan Ake and John Stones, who have both struggled with injuries this season.
But perhaps Simpson-Pusey’s exploits in PL2 might just prompt the Manchester City manager to look at him again ahead of next season. Certainly, pre-season will be very important for the starlet.
