Max Alleyne brings seven abilities to Manchester City team explains Pep Lijnders | OneFootball

Pep Lijnders has piled on the praise for Max Alleyne following the young defender’s first week as a Manchester City first-team player.

The 20-year-old has become one of the most talked-about names around the Etihad after a whirlwind return to the club, having been recalled from Watford and immediately thrust into senior action.

City’s defensive resources have been stretched in recent weeks, with John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, and Ruben Dias all sidelined through injury, prompting Pep Guardiola to admit Academy options would be required.

That context made Max Alleyne’s sudden reintegration even more significant, especially after earlier reports highlighting how Guardiola and his staff view the Academy as a vital support structure during congested periods of the season.

The FA Cup third round clash with Exeter provided Alleyne with a further opportunity to announce himself following on from his senior debut for the club just days earlier in the Premier League against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Tasked with operating in a system that demands composure, intelligence, and bravery in possession, the youngter not only looked comfortable but played a central role in City’s build-up, opening the scoring and helping dictate the rhythm of a dominant performance.

Speaking after Manchester City’s staggering 10-1 win over Exeter on Saturday afternoon, assistant coach Pep Lijnders was quizzed for his thoughts on a dramatic week for Max Alleyne.

“It must have been the strangest week for him, being at Watford, getting the call, and tomorrow you’re here and then we say, ‘You play two days later’,” Lijnders told reporters at the Etihad Stadium.

“You see the way he plays, he brings calmness into the build-up, how he creates two-versus-one with Rodri all the time, to step, to be close to the structure, to break lines, the way he finds the pockets, the way he even deals with the long balls when he’s free to make the game calm in these moments and when needed he can clear it as well.”

Lijnders continued on the 20-year-old, “He needs to make steps with us now, but we’re really happy that he’s back and it’s a sign for a very healthy club that these boys from the academy can come and make an impression straight away.

“And overall, I have to say all of these boys are humble and they want to work really hard and that’s how I see them and I am really happy with that, we are really happy with that.”

Lijnders’ comments effectively outlined seven core abilities Alleyne brings, and traits Pep Guardiola has long demanded from his central defenders. Looking ahead, the Academy graduate’s emergence could provide City with a valuable short-term solution during their defensive injury crisis.

With fixtures piling up across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cup competitions, opportunities may continue to arise for the youngster to gain further minutes.

If his Exeter display proves to be a reliable indicator rather than a one-off moment, Max Alleyne could quickly transition from emergency cover to a genuine consistent squad option in the months ahead.