ACADEMY: Plethora of talent in U18s but 2024-25 could have delivered more
The group’s potential has been clear throughout the FA Youth Cup campaign, whether it was Henry Bullen making crucial saves or Finn Corke scoring a lot of goals.
Before the season began, the team was confident they would outperform teams from past seasons, and they were right—they made it to the FA Youth Cup round of 16 for the first time in five years.
The U18s had to adjust to the new style of play of the (former) senior head coach, Johannes Hoff Thorup, much like the development squad did. The U18S system adopted the Danes’ possession-oriented approach despite having fewer rotations and shape changes.
The U18s, in contrast to prior seasons, spent a significant portion of the season adhering to this game plan, demonstrating the alignment and confidence the academy setup had in the first-team coach. The playing style was nonexistent in the later years of Steve Weaver’s leadership, as game strategies varied from one game to the next.
Naturally, it took some time for the team to come together as a cohesive unit, and they lost their season’s first four games.
The club proceeded on a seven-game winning streak after ultimately defeating Reading in late September, defeating some very good teams along the way.
La’Sean Sealey, a dynamic forward, was one player who had a solid start to the season. In attacking areas, the adolescent excelled at using his amazing physical attributes. He frequently charged into the penalty box before displaying the poise needed to finish softly with both feet.
Sealey was incredibly consistent throughout the season and, more significantly, during the FA Youth Cup run, where he played brilliantly against AFC Bournemouth in the round of 32. The 18-year-old drove infield from deep and then tucked away a curling effort with his weaker left foot to score a fantastic solo goal against the Cherries.
In February of 2024–25, Sealey received his first professional contract as a reward for his several game-winning performances.
Unfortunately, his recent growth has been hindered by injuries. He has already had to recover from a protracted setback, so don’t be shocked if he starts the 2025–2026 season strong.
They began to maintain consistency in their starting lineups in the late fall and early winter, with Toby Chilvers, Lloyd Ofori-Manteaw, and Tyler Williams forming a well-balanced midfield core.
That trio of midfielders offered a fluid synergy in midfield, since they all possess great physical attributes, ranging from strong stamina levels to robust body frames.
Chilvers was particularly impressive in the offensive midfield position, contributing well from both a goalscoring and defensive aspect. His worth to the club was demonstrated when he earned seven G/A before being permanently elevated to the U21S squad.
The teenager is also an excellent resource when not in possession. Chilvers employs immense effort in his pressing, chasing down lost causes with boundless fervor, as well as preserving his discipline in a defensive structure.
Every time he played for the U18s, he was the most impressive player. He made significant contributions both on and off the ball and was a vital member of Gregg Crane’s squad, consistently making the right decisions to improve the team’s performance.
In addition to the midfield players’ consistent performances, other players—possibly unanticipatedly—attracted attention. Finn Oligbo is one player that embodies this.
With 11 goals and assists from a defensive position, he has been a revelation at right-back this season. Since the teenager has been so good at finding the near-post top corner and taking advantage of certain inexperienced goalkeepers’ height, a good portion of those goal contributions have come from direct free kicks.
Although four of Oligbo’s goal contributions come from direct free-kicks, his biggest attacking output came from crosses out wide, offering his teammates dangerous deliveries into the box to assault.
As with most academy teams after the Christmas period, the team starts to change course, with players progressing onto the U21s. This change at City began in early February following their elimination from the FA Youth Cup round of 16.
U16 players started to be introduced to the U18s roster as players like Sealey, Vatan Ozcan, Chilvers, and Theo Adelusi began to accrue minutes for the development team. Among them were Ajay Tavares, Ben Tree, and Jake Glossop.
Although Tree and Tavares are arguably the best players in the U16 group and will probably be key members of the U18s next season, it is still uncertain if the club will be able to sign them given that they have several suitors from other English domestic clubs.
Tavares was included in the senior matchday squad against Cardiff, which should influence his decision if he sees a clear path to success.
After the Canaries regularly incorporated Tree and Tavares into the U18s, they slightly changed their style of play to a more stable 4-3-3 formation.
They had greater possession rotations earlier in the season, for instance, when midfield players moved toward the forward line during calm play situations. The forward players’ positions have become more generic in recent months, which has helped the younger people grasp.
The club has been dangerous in counterattack scenarios since Tree and Tavares are excellent athletes. The U18s have adopted a significantly more direct style of play as a result, particularly while chasing a game.
Alongside Tavares and Tree in the front line, Corke is one player who has consistently performed well. As a first-year scholar, he has had an amazing season, leading the U18 and U21 teams in goals scored and assists. He finished the season with a G/A of 20 (15 goals and 5 assists).
Throughout the season, Corke not only produced outstanding numbers but also played excellently overall, leading the line for the club with distinction. The 17-year-old made good use of his physique, moving away from opposing players to get fouls and showcasing deft movements to maneuver through wide areas of space.
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