Manchester City academy graduate Tommy Doyle has been told exactly what he needs to do if he is to stand a chance of finding a place in City's first-team squad when he returns from his loan spell.
City's former Elite Development Squad captain Doyle is currently on loan at Championship side Sheffield United, and is starting to earn plenty of plaudits for his performances for the Blades. He and fellow City youngster James McAtee moved east over the Pennines for the 2022/23 season, but it's Doyle who is establishing himself as a regular feature of Paul Heckingbottom's side.
The 21-year-old - who is the grandson of City legends Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe - has earned plaudits from both Sheffield United staff and supporters for his eagerness to get stuck in and willingness to learn in his new environment. In turn his performances have steadily improved, and as a result he has started six of United's seven league matches since the international break.
ALSO READ: Jack Grealish moment of instinct shows what Man City fans have been crying out for
The young midfielder spent last season on loan at Hamburger SV and then Cardiff City, but struggled for consistency at both. At Bramall Lane though he is developing into a top player, although manager Heckingbottom has outlined a few things he needs to improve if he is to kick on and earn a place in Pep Guardiola's squad and make it at the top level of the game.
"We've been pushing him without the ball. For me he needs to be more dominant and physical without it so if he wants to play in the middle of the park he has to do that. Because he understands it and he's brave to get on the ball," Heckingbottom said after Doyle helped United to a 2-0 win at West Brom on Saturday.
"He's been doing well and we'll continue to push him. We need more goals from him, too. You've not seen what he can do in and around the box yet. There's goals in him. He's a good footballer."
Doyle will hope he develops his game enough so that come next summer he can push for a place in Pep Guardiola's City squad.
Read more:
