Manchester City youngster Luke Mbete believes he and partner Finley Burns stood up to the considerable physical test against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night.
The Academy centre-halves made their senior bows for City in challenging circumstances, facing off against cult hero Adebayo Akinfenwa, a force of a player known for his physicality in attack. They might have been concerned when Wycombe took the lead on the 22nd minute, but they regrouped and proved imperious in defence for the remainder of the tie.
Due to the stifling effort of City's young pair, the 39-year-old — who Pep Guardiola described as 'legendary' — was substituted in the second half as the Chairboys switched to damage limitations tactics with City finding their goalscoring groove.
Either side of Mbete and Burns were CJ Egan-Riley and Joshua Wilson-Esbrand, all players from City's famed EDS youth system. Their ability to slot into a team that has reached incredible heights in the Premier League and Champions League throughout Guardiola's tenure is a testament to the quality of coaching and scouting in the City academy. Judging by their excellent performances last night, City fans will not be surprised to see any of the four make the step up into senior action in the future.
Speaking to in-house media, Mbete reflected on his first senior test in City colours, giving his verdict on how he felt he performed under the lights at the Etihad.
"I think we coped with it very well. We're young, but we didn't take that into consideration," he said.
"We played like it was a normal game. The players and the fans helped us a lot; they were brilliant. And obviously the support from (Pep Guardiola) as well and the staff behind the scenes.
Defensive partner Burns agreed with Mbete's verdict, suggesting the fans gave the players a vital lift on Tuesday evening.
"The fans bring excitement and encouragement to keep going and make everyone proud," he added.
"It's the best thing to hear them all cheer, especially when a goal goes in. It gives you the confidence to get another.
"It's a dream come true to play in front of them. It's what dreams are made of!"
