Raheem Sterling left Manchester City to join Chelsea this summer, leaving big shoes to fill after scoring 131 goals with 96 assists from 339 games. Pep Guardiola wasn’t fazed about his exit, however, as he can call upon Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in his stead.
The City boss also has a hot prospect who could follow in Sterling’s footsteps after impressing at youth level – Carlos Borges. The 18-year-old looks to have a bright future after making light work of the U18s and impressing in the U21s this season, so he might be one to watch.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
Borges joined City from Sporting in 2014 and has scored 24 goals with 23 assists from 34 games for the U18s. He’s netted four goals with one assist from two games for the U19s and bagged four goals with three assists from 17 games for the U21s.
He’s yet to make a first-team appearance and hasn’t made the matchday squad, but Guardiola must be keeping an eye after how well he’s started this campaign – Borges bagged a hattrick in City U19s’ 5-1 win over Sevilla and has contributed nine goals in seven games at youth level already.
The Portuguese U19 international plays in the same position as Sterling as has a greater eye for goal than he does for assisting, not to mention Borges idolising the 27-year-old as a role model and mentor before he left, so he could be a long-term replacement.
In other news, Alan Hutton delivers warning for Jack Grealish
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