While Manchester City chase glory two young players are growing by the game in the Championship | OneFootball

Manchester City are currently up to their eyeballs in this season’s Premier League title race. After a tense weekend and their 2-1 victory over Newcastle at the Etihad on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s side sits 5 points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table with a game in hand. City know if they win all of their remaining Premier League games, they’ll claim another Premier League title. The focus of many is on Manchester City’s bid to win the Premier League and three other trophies.

While Manchester City contend for multiple honours, there are two young players who figure prominently in City’s future, growing as players with every game they play in the Championship. Stephen Mfuni and Divine Mukasa are showing that they could one day join Pep Guardiola’s squad in the future and be ready to contribute.

Stephen Mfuni has once again shone for Watford this weekend.

Watford picked up a 2-0 win over Derby County in their Championship fixture earlier today. For Watford, Stephen Mfuni started at left-back. He again put in a strong performance across the full 90 minutes in a new role, as he displayed all of the traits that see him so highly regarded at Manchester City.

Defensively, Mfuni was extremely solid for Watford. He won 10/13 of his ground duels (statistics sourced from SofaScore) and he also read the game exceptionally well. Mfuni sensed danger when Derby attacked and his ability to read danger shone through. The young defender was also strong aerially and his contribution was an important factor in Watford keeping a clean sheet.

In possession, Mfuni was composed, and his strengths as a ball-playing defender rose to the fore. He completed 36/44 passes and attempted several long balls throughout the game. His radar was just off with his long balls, but the fact that Mfuni isn’t afraid to try them speaks to his talent and character. Mfuni’s all-around performance against Derby was very good, and the more he plays in the Championship, the more you can see him grow with every game.

Divine Mukasa has taken the lessons he learned at Manchester City to Leicester City.

On Saturday, Divine Mukasa scored a goal and grabbed an assist in Leicester City’s 2-all draw with Stoke. Mukasa played a key role for Leicester as they picked up a precious point to aid their bid to avoid relegation. Mukasa’s display showed that the lessons he’s learned at Manchester City are coming together on the pitch in the Championship.

Divine Mukasa played a key role for his team on Saturday. Taking his goal and assist out of the equation for a moment, he played a key role in many of Leicester’s attacks. Mukasa’s ability to hold up play and then release smart passes stood out, especially in the second half. Mukasa began or linked up many of the Foxes’ attacking moves. It was pleasing to see the young attacking midfielder play with such maturity in an advanced attacking role for his team.

For his goal, Divine Mukasa curled a cross into the area, which drifted into the far corner. It was a quality ball that was rewarded. Mukasa’s assist was sublime. His backheel set up Harry Winks to score. It was a clever piece of improvisation from the young attacking midfielder and showed his prodigious technical and tactical ability. Mukasa’s goal and assist were a fine reward for a fantastic overall performance from him for Leicester.

Final thoughts.

Divine Mukasa and Stephen Mfuni both put in strong and impressive performances in the Championship this weekend. Both players are growing by the game and if they can each maintain their impressive form, it won’t be a surprise to see both players contributing for Manchester City sooner rather than later.