Manchester City’s rising stars took center stage on Thursday as 17-year-old Floyd Samba scored twice on his senior debut with leading the defending champions to a 5-0 victory over second-division Norwich City in the English League Cup.
City manager Enzo Maresca fielded a heavily rotated squad at the Etihad Stadium and retaining only Rayan Cherki from Sunday’s Manchester derby. The youthful lineup quickly dismantled the visitors.
Playing in an unfamiliar number nine role Samba opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a precise header off a cross from 22-year-old Brazilian forward Allan. Just three minutes later Cherki doubled the advantage by beating Norwich goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw in a one-on-one finish.
The momentum continued early in the second half. Allan marked his own first-team debut with a low left-footed strike to make it 3-0. Moments later Samba secured his brace and the "Man of the Match" title by curling a brilliant shot into the corner from 20 yards out.
Eighteen-year-old substitute Ryan McAidoo completed the rout with a final-minute goal with capping a dominant performance by City's academy talents.
With this victory, Manchester City advances to the fourth round they will face Brighton. Brighton recently advanced by overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Manchester United 3-2.
Reflecting on his dream start Samba credited the team's veterans for his confidence on the pitch. "To get a debut like that is mind-blowing. I couldn't believe it myself" the teenager told the BBC. "The senior players have been brilliant also telling me to just play my game. Those words gave me the confidence to score those two goals today. This is just the beginning."
