James McAtee milestone shows he's ready for Man City next step

James McAtee is seen as the next talent to progress off Manchester City's academy production line, with the 19-year-old possessing an abundance of ability.

The Salford-born youngster recently signed a three-year contract extension with the club, ending months of speculation about his long-term future. Pep Guardiola is seemingly a big fan, and he's managed to convince McAtee there is a future for him even among such a star-studded squad.

City only need to point to the example of Phil Foden. The 21-year-old has just picked up his second Premier League Young Player of the Year award and is a regular in Gareth Southgate's England setup. His journey will be the first major academy success story the club point to in the future, with club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak confirming last week that 80 per cent of the current academy comes directly from the local area.

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McAtee's development will surely reach a new level next season, but his talent has already been recognised by the FA. The youngster has been handed an England U21 call-up for their next three international fixtures.

He will join City teammates Taylor Harwood-Bellis, James Trafford and Tommy Doyle in the squad ahead of games against Albania, Kosovo and Slovenia later this month — and McAtee will be hoping to make his debut in one of those games.

Dubbed the 'Salford Silva' by his teammates, Guardiola will be hoping the midfielder can progress even further this season and compete with members of the first-team squad for regular game-time. With multiple contract issues still up in the air, it will be a massive chance for him to impress.

Cole Palmer has progressed into regular member of