'In second half, Sam was better than Pereira' - Guardiola hails Nigerian winger despite loss to Foxes

Samuel Edozie was one of the players singled out for praise by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola following his side's loss to Leicester City in Saturday's Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.

On his competitive debut for the Citizens, the Anglo-Nigerian winger didn't look out of place playing with much older and physical players.

Just as it seemed a penalty shootout was inevitable, Manchester City academy product Kelechi Iheanacho won and converted a penalty in the 89th minute to hand the Foxes their second silverware in four months.

In the individual duel between Edozie and Leicester City fullback Ricardo Pereira, Guardiola reckons that the 18-year-old got the better of the Portugal international in the second half.

"The courage of the young guys Sam and Cole and the control we had - they only had long balls in the second half," Guardiola said to Man City's official website.

"They are important players. What I like about them, - Cole was exceptional all game - but when they lost one ball, they tried and tried again.

"In the first half Pereira won the duels with Sam, because he is a top player, but in the second half Sam was better.

"They both like to dribble. They were both exceptional on a big stage at Wembley. They were so good. Congratulations to the Academy".

Edozie was handed his competitive first team debut by the Spanish football tactician after scoring in all the pre-season games played by Manchester City, against Preston North End, Barnsley and Blackpool.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : lcfc.com