If Manchester City don’t want to lose a young midfielder they need to play him | OneFootball

The case of James McAtee so far this season has been a curious one. It is apparent that he is highly rated at Manchester City. After spending the past two seasons on loan at Sheffield United it did appear that he would get his chance to impress with the world champions this season. But so far, this McAtee hasn’t had the opportunity to impress. But going forward, you do get the impression that if Manchester City want to keep McAtee at some point, he has to play. He can’t sit around forever waiting for an opportunity to impress.

Pete O’Rourke has reported for Football Insider that Manchester City are reluctant to sell James McAtee in January. O’Rourke adds that the world champions do not want to weaken their squad during the January transfer window. Furthermore, O’Rourke adds that West Ham has an interest in signing McAtee. Lastly, O’Rourke reports that despite McAtee’s lack of opportunities at Manchester City this season he is highly regarded at the club.

READ MORE: A young Manchester City midfielder is linked with a move to West Ham and perhaps that is for the best.

With O’Rourke’s report suggesting that City are reluctant to sell McAtee, it appears that he will remain at the club for this season. Unless he demands a transfer in January it doesn’t appear likely that he will leave the club. That scenario leads to the next part of the equation. If Manchester City want to keep McAtee he needs to start playing on a more regular basis.

So far this season McAtee has only made 6 appearances in all competitions. His only starts have been in the Carabao Cup and the FA Community Shield. If McAtee is to progress as a player he needs to play. Training with Pep Guardiola’s squad and honing his craft under Guardiola’s guidance will aid McAtee’s development. But playing in the Manchester City first team is what McAtee needs. At some point that has to happen so he can show if he belongs at the club or not. If McAtee isn’t given that opportunity then perhaps it is best for his young career if he does leave the world champions.

In my opinion, if Manchester City want to keep McAtee, he needs to play. Manchester City’s midfield does look like it could do with an injection of youth. Perhaps McAtee could be the player to inject that ingredient into City’s engine room. But sitting around waiting for a chance to play doesn’t help McAtee’s game grow. So if Manchester City want to keep McAtee he needs to play more often. But how he can become a more regular player in Pep Guardiola’s side remains to be seen.