Supremely talented youngster Josh Wilson-Esbrand left West Ham United to join Manchester City back in 2019.
The teenager has been making big waves at The Etihad, and last night, he was handed a huge opportunity by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The 19-year-old came on as a 66th minute substitute for City in place of Bernardo Silva.
West Ham really should have tried harder to keep Wilson-Esbrand at the London Stadium.
Had David Moyes been in charge at the time rather than Manuel Pellegrini, perhaps the Scot would have made more of an effort to do so.
The Hammers failed to offer Joshua Wilson-Esbrand a professional deal back in the summer of 2019. Manchester City swooped in and the rest is history.
The 18-year-old left-back is a real talent and he was actually very highly rated at the London Stadium.
West Ham took their time offering him a professional contract, however, failed to move fast enough and eventually lost him to Manchester City.
At the time it was very annoying, considering the youngster’s undeniable talent. And now, it seems as whole lot worse…
Josh Wilson-Esbrand handed Champions League outing for Manchester City
The 19-year-old really impressed for City when he came on in place for Bernardo at the The Etihad against Copenhagen last night.
The youngster demonstrated plenty of pace, power and technical ability – all prerequisites for anyone who wants to play football under Pep Guardiola.
Wilson-Esbrand has played in excess of 40 games for Manchester City’s youth teams over the past couple of years but last night, he made only his second senior appearance under Guardiola.
And boy, was it an impressive one.
The London-born left-back made his debut for the Man City first-team against Wycombe in the Carabao Cup last year.
And then Pep handed him a huge chance in the Champions League last night.
Josh Wilson-Esbrand looked very comfortable playing for Manchester City against Copenhagen. He clearly has a very bright future ahead of him in the game.
And West Ham will undoubtedly be regretting letting him leave for Man City three years ago.
It will be interesting to keep an eye on his development over the next few years.
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