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Manchester City youngster Jaden Heskey has taken on a new role this season after an eventful summer
Manchester City are regularly trying to test out their academy players. Their youth teams are some of the youngest in England and Europe, individual work is being given more priority and plenty of work has gone into preparing the players for men's football.
A lucky few are also given the chance to test out their leadership skills. The coaches put plenty of thought into deciding who should be given the captaincy before deciding on the best option for the season.
This year for the Under-21s, that has fallen on the broad shoulders of Jaden Heskey. The teenage midfielder has been given the responsibility as one of the more senior players in Ben Wilkinson's team as they try and defend their league crown.
It could have been very different for Heskey. Sheffield Wednesday were one of a number of clubs interested in signing him over the course of the summer, and while the interest faded it reignited on deadline day with a potential loan move before the window ended with Heskey still at City.
That means that Heskey's games in senior football this year will be limited to how far the Under-21s can go in the EFL Trophy. After a positive start with a 5-1 win at Oldham, the youngster spoke about what he wants to do as a captain.
"I want to lead the team. I've been given the captaincy so I want to be a leader and set a good example to the people who are younger than me and the rest of my teammates that I can be a good captain and put the best version of myself out there," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"I'm happy to get it. It means that the gaffer, Ben, trusts me to set a good example for the team on the pitch and off it. my teammates seem to be the same so I'm proud to be given it.
"I'm focused on my football here so I don't need to be worried about anything going on elsewhere."
City will also get their UEFA Youth League campaign underway this month with a game against Napoli. They reached the quarter-finals last season - their best run since 2018 - and will be keen to progress further this time.
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