Everything You Need To Know About Nigerian Midfielder Named In Man City's 18 Vs Hoffenheim

Published: December 13, 2018

Nigerian midfielder Felix Nmecha was named in Manchester City's match day squad for their Champions League clash against Hoffenheim on Wednesday night.

He would have made his first-team debut for the Premier League champions aged 18 years, 2 months and 2 days if he had come off the bench against the Germans.

Here's everything you need to know about Felix Nmecha.

What countries is he eligible to represent?

Born in Hamburg to a Nigerian father and German mom but raised in England, Felix Nmecha is eligible to represent the senior national teams of Germany, Nigeria and England.

Although he has earned caps for Germany at U18 level plus England U16, U18 and U19, he is not provisionally cap-tied to the European nations as the games were international friendlies.

When did he join Manchester City?

Nmecha has been on the books of Manchester City for eight years after relocating to the United Kingdom, rising through the ranks before he was fully promoted to the U23 team at the start of this season.

Strengths?

The point of reference for most attacking midfielders is the number of goals they contribute over the course of the season. Felix Nmecha had a hand in 19 goals from 30 appearances in the UEFA Youth League, U18 Premier League and Premier League 2 last season, which buttresses the point he is better playing as an attacking midfielder than defensive midfielder. Has leadership qualities having captained Manchester City in this season's UEFA Youth League.

Which Nigeria international can he be likened to?

The closest Nigeria international he can be compared to is Stoke City's Oghenekaro Etebo. Nmecha is a physical midfielder, fast and can run past defenders. Technically gifted, he is capable of scoring from long range.

Weaknesses?

Felix Nmecha was sent off for a second bookable offense in Man City's 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Youth League in October which may indicate that he is still a raw diamond that needs polishing.

He gave away at least five free-kicks before he was dismissed by Romanian referee, Horațiu Mircea Fesnic.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : mancity.com