ACADEMY REWARDS

Slot must follow Pep's lead in managing Rio

- BY ANDY DUNN

OVER the past decade Manchester City has not only established itself as the most dominant force in Premier League football, but it has also been recognised for its powerhouse academy.

In investing millions into its junior system, it is not alone. Far from it. But no money or attention is spared in identifying elite young talent, whether local or imported from far and wide.

Yet coming through the City ranks and getting frequent starts as a first-teamer while still in your teenage years is not easy.

You can get a look-in, as players such as Rico Lewis and Nico O'Reilly have proven in recent seasons. But it is tough. Even when everyone in football knows you are expected to be a world-beater, it can be difficult.