Who is Jahmai Simpson-Pusey? Man City defender who loves to tackle and idolises Sergio Ramos

Only four Manchester City players can say they have lifted the FA Youth Cup. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is one of them.

Promoted to under-18 captain last season after injury to Lakyle Samuel, centre-back Simpson-Pusey stepped up and wrote his name into club history by leading the youth team and lifting the most prestigious academy trophy. He only discovered he would wear the armband when he walked into the Etihad Stadium dressing room that evening. Now his picture, lifting the Youth Cup, adorns the press conference room at the Etihad.

The youngster was rewarded with a place in Pep Guardiola's pre-season tour squad, starting against Celtic and AC Milan as senior players returned slowly after Euro 2024.

ALSO READ: I had trials at Manchester United - but Man City did 'proper' sessions so I signed for them instead

ALSO READ: Tottenham vs Man City LIVE early team news and kick-off time plus how to watch Carabao Cup clash

A defender comfortable with the ball at his feet, Simpson-Pusey has stepped up to the under-21s this season, starting every game in the Premier League 2 and UEFA Youth League. He has been at City since he was a young boy, turning down Manchester United even though he enjoyed their sessions more than City's, - after taking advice, his family decided that the Blues' more structured sessions would have more benefit over time.

"I am a very ball playing centre back but I also love to defend so it doesn’t feel like a chore," he told MEN Sport ahead of that Youth Cup final. "I am always ready to defend. I don’t mind heading the ball. A lot of people don’t want to head the ball, I don’t mind it as long as I am not conceding a goal."

"I feel like because I am at City and we are a very ball-playing team and we have possession for most of the game. In everyone’s head, as a defender we always think about the ball first. Defending is probably the last thing on our mind but I like defending so I take extra care.

"When you make a clutch one-v-one and you win the ball back last man it gives you a buzz. It’s like scoring a goal but not scoring a goal."

So who does Simpson-Pusey base his game on? There are the obvious contenders in the City first-team dressing room. And then there is a defender less associated with the passing style and build-up of the Blues.

"Growing up I used to watch Sergio Ramos because I like his aggression," the teenager said. "I have been watching Ruben Dias, he is such a good leader and is aggressive on and off the ball and John Stones because of the way he plays."

He is not just an old-school centre-back throwback, however. Simpson-Pusey has developed his position in the last 12 months to move into midfield like Stones, and has even played on his own as a holding midfielder. He is equally comfortable in a back three - giving him the versatility City covet from their defenders.