Manchester City Youngster Jaden Heskey Reflects on ‘Surreal’ Preseason Experience
Manchester City often integrates academy players into senior squad activities, especially during preseason tours. A recent example was City’s preseason tour of America, where several academy stars had the chance to showcase their talent under Pep Guardiola.
During matches against top clubs like Celtic, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea, players such as Kaden Braithwaite and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey were given opportunities to play. Among them, Jaden Heskey has since shared a memorable moment from his experience during the match against Barcelona.
Jaden Heskey on His Barcelona Experience
Speaking about his preseason debut, Heskey described the moment as unforgettable. In an interview with Manchester World, he said:
“That was amazing, surreal. There were a lot of players I look up to – for us and them. For Barcelona, there was [Robert] Lewandowski playing, and Thiago Alcantara was a coach for them. It was a crazy experience.”
Recalling his unexpected call to action, Heskey added:
“He [Guardiola] didn’t say much before I came on. He just called me. I was sat on the bench and didn’t expect it. He told me to get ready, and I was running up and down with my heart pounding. He called me over, told me to go on as a striker and hold the play up.”
The 18-year-old came on in the 84th minute, replacing Jack Grealish. The game ended in a 2-2 draw before Barcelona clinched a 4-1 victory in a penalty shootout.
Heskey Inspired by Erling Haaland’s Finishing
Beyond the match, Heskey also shared his admiration for Erling Haaland, who left a strong impression during training sessions. Heskey said:
“Seeing [Erling] Haaland’s finishing in person every day, it was ridiculous. I learned a lot from all of them. Being around them the whole time, you see how professional they are, how they train every day.”
Heskey’s Rising Profile
Heskey, an attacking midfielder, has already made 67 appearances for City’s youth teams across various competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists. His reflections on preseason and his eagerness to break into the senior squad underline his determination to establish himself as a regular for Manchester City.
With continued high-level performances in the youth setup, Heskey could soon become a more familiar name in Guardiola’s plans, showcasing the depth of talent in City’s academy.
