Enzo Maresca shares Leicester City supporters’ excitement over Will Alves and Sammy Braybrooke with the young duo to be given a chance to provide “new energy” to the first-team squad when they are fit.
Maresca has welcomed starlets from City’s development squad into his side this season, with Kasey McAteer the club’s top scorer, with Wanya Marcal getting his first goal for the club, and with Jakub Stolarczyk and Ben Nelson handed their senior debuts.
But perhaps the most exciting prospects at the club are Alves and Braybrooke. Both are in recovery from ACL tears suffered in the winter, but have now returned to light training. In a couple of months’ time, they may be able to play in games again.
They will also be competing for a spot on Maresca’s first team once they return. The City manager said that after learning of their abilities, he has seen recordings of them and is eager to witness them play when they are fully fit.
The two appear perfect for Maresca’s technique as they are both still in their teens. Alves could succeed as a number eight while Braybrooke, a deep-lying midfielder, should fit in well in Harry Winks’ spot after honing his off-the-ball skills with City’s youth squad.
Given the size of Maresca’s squad, they will play for the Under-21s before earning a shot with the first team. Marcal and Nelson both joined Ben Petty’s team on Friday night for their 4-3 Premier League Cup loss at Burnley because they were not required for the first team at Southampton.
After an equalizer just before halftime, Amani Richards restored City’s lead just before the hour. Marcal had scored the first goal. In the following 20 minutes, City gave up three goals, with summer acquisition Silko Thomas scoring a late consolation. The Under-21s have now dropped their last four matches across all leagues.
