Fascinating footage of a Manchester City star playing 5-a-side has emerged and it shows the true level of a Premier League footballer.
James McAtee, who came through the ranks at his boyhood club, has been on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s first-team this season and has scored six goals in 21 appearances – including a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Salford City.
The former Sheffield United loanee has been heavily linked with a number of Premier League sides as well as the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen – with many feeling as though he could have a Cole Palmer-type transformation if he was to leave City for regular football.
Guardiola has hailed the 22-year-old’s quality and demanded he was not sold in the summer despite strong interest.
But while City supporters haven’t always seen his best work, a viral clip of him playing in a small-sided game on a local astroturf had fans stunned over his ability.
McAtee, wearing his England shorts, a James Trafford shirt and Adidas predators boots, completely ran the show and as expected, was completely above the rest of the pack.
His touch, technique and balance meant the opposition couldn’t get near him as he strolled around with ease and viewers in the comments of the video couldn’t help but marvel.
One said: “Pro footballers feet are so smooth just the touch and control.”
A second simply wrote: “The levels are insane.”
A fourth weighed in: “No disrespect to any of the other guys playing but just look at the levels. Tight areas, touch, ball control/manipulation, composure. Joy to watch.”
A fifth user noticed: “One thing that will not be picked up by a short video, is that he will be able to do everything at s high level for the whole game. Elite stamina is just on a different level to us average Joes.”
McAtee still has a contract with City until 2026 but has struggled for regular game-time since his returning from his loan at Sheff United and may have to move on to pastures new in the summer after playing just 710 minutes overall.
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/@goalkingzak3
Topics: James McAtee, Manchester City, Premier League, Fan Reactions
