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I left school in May and made Man City history in September - now I've been set a new challenge
In most cases, predicting the next academy graduate to break into Pep Guardiola's first team is easy. There are usually clues, from first-team training to squad inclusions or eye-catching form in the under-21s.
But when Kaden Braithwaite became the 31st academy graduate to make his Manchester City debut under Guardiola in September, the question on most lips was (respectfully) - 'who?'
At just 16 years old, Braithwaite became the youngest debutant in 42 years and the third-youngest in club history. He bypassed a handful of older players who had been on pre-season tour and there was even some welcome surprise within the academy that he had been selected. It was, in theory, far too soon to be drawing out a first team path for him.
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He had never trained with the first team until the eve of the game, where he impressed Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain suitably. He had only played nine appearances for the under-18s before his senior debut, and he had played just one minute of under-21 football before getting the call from Guardiola.
Having left school in the summer, the 16-year-old only had a few weeks of full-time football under his belt. And then he was walking out at the Etihad, alongside some of his idols, and taking instructions from the best manager in the club's history.
It's no surprise, then, that the very mention of that Watford game draws an almighty smile on the youngster's face.
"It's been ridiculous, I still can't get over it," he tells MEN Sport, a month on. "Playing with them is such an inspiration. I just have to thank God. It was an unreal experience."
You can forgive Braithwaite for being star-struck, having only enjoyed one training session with the senior team. "I found out the day before, they told me and I took it in my stride," he explains. "But it would be unfair to say there wasn't nerves - the first 10-15 minutes of the game just to adapt. It's not a usual game. There was a bit of nerves, but everyone was really helpful and supportive. It was easy to get into the game and it made it more comfortable for me."
Guardiola did what he could to take all the pressure off. So did his defensive colleagues on the night Kyle Walker and John Stones.
"Leading into the game [Guardiola] said he didn't mind if I made mistakes, just work hard on and off the ball and he can't really ask for much more," Braithwaite reveals. "He said I played well. Obviously [Stones and Walker] are unbelievable talents, the best in the world. To have them communicating and coaching me through the game almost - it was so good."
Braithwaite's family were present to watch his historic debut - an experience all the more poignant as his dad had been in a coma 12 months ago, but was well enough to watch his son's senior bow.
For all his youthful enthusiasm - understandable after such an incredible experience - Braithwaite is equally keen to kick on and ensure those moments can happen in future. So are his coaches.
"Kaden has a lot of talent, just came in the building full time this year," says Ben Wilkinson, EDS head coach. "I think he demonstrates a lot of the attributes of a typical City player in terms of his profile is really good, is left-footed, which helps and gives you good balance in the team.
"He can receive in between in tight spaces and can see pictures. He ticks a lot of boxes. Obviously, for us, that’s our job: trying to get players through to the first team. For him to get that opportunity so early in his journey was amazing. The challenge he has is to keep his feet on the floor after that.
"He was at school three or four months ago and has now played a game in the first team. So, an amazing night for him and now he has to get to the ‘day job’ and continue to strive and get that opportunity again."
Braithwaite agrees - and is already noticing the benefits of his debut.
"Hopefully I can have many more opportunities along the way," he says. "That's the most important thing. You can't have a feel of first team football then step off the gas. You have to keep going and pushing. For me personally I want more so I have to push for that. You play with more confidence, I can see it in my performances. Some things I was doing that I wouldn't be doing without that confidence boost."
There may or may not be more senior opportunities around the corner, but for now the objective is to keep his feet on the ground.
Wilkinson isn't concerned that will be an issue - "He’s a really good kid. If I’m honest, I don’t think that’ll ever be a problem with him, he’s very grounded. He’s very conscientious and is a lovely boy. He’s been really good with that and we just need to remember how young he is.
"He has time left on his journey before we would expect him to be in that arena. He has to take his time, work on the training ground and hopefully over the next few years we’ll see a lot more of him."
