Floyd Samba enjoyed a dream Manchester City debut as the 17-year-old scored twice in a 5-0 thrashing of Norwich to book a League Cup last-16 meeting with Brighton.
Samba was one of 10 changes Enzo Maresca made to the side that secured a dramatic 10-man derby victory over Manchester United on Sunday, and the teenager made a strong case for more first-team opportunities.
“To get a debut like that is mind-blowing. I couldn’t believe it myself,” said Samba, the son of former Blackburn and QPR defender Chris Samba.
“But that’s just the beginning. I’ve got a big career ahead of me. It was a great debut.”
Brazilian Allan also scored on his first appearance since his £34 million ($46 million) move from Palmeiras, while Rayan Cherki coolly slotted home City’s second.
Norwich made nine changes of their own as they prioritise their bid for promotion from the Championship, but they were completely outclassed by even City’s second string.
Samba opened his account in memorable fashion, stooping to head in Allan’s cross after Norwich goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw flapped at the delivery.
Ayyoub Bouaddi made his first Etihad start following his €100 million (£86 million) move from Lille and marked the occasion with an assist, sending Cherki racing clear to slot the ball beyond the advancing Grimshaw.
Amid City’s high-profile moves for Bouaddi, Enzo Fernandez, Elliott Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye, Allan’s arrival had largely gone under the radar.
But the Brazilian showed his potential with a fine individual run before cutting inside and firing into the far corner in the 48th minute.
Just moments later, Samba took advantage of more slack Norwich defending to curl a superb finish into the far corner for his second.
Another of City’s promising teenagers, Ryan McAidoo, completed the scoring late on with a composed finish.
The victory extended Maresca’s perfect start as Pep Guardiola’s successor to six consecutive wins across three competitions.
AFP
