Manchester City host Leeds in the FA Youth Cup final at the Etihad Stadium tonight, aiming for their first victory in the prestigious tournament since 2020, when Palmer scored in a 3-2 win against Chelsea.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson and striker Harry Kewell were part of the Leeds side that beat Crystal Palace in 1997.
Palmer is now at Chelsea, having decided to leave City in the search of regular first-team football, underlining the levels that have to be reached to become part of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Phil Foden is the obvious example to follow. But he is one of the best players in the country.
Under-18 coach Ben Wilkinson accepts the route to the top is not easy.
“For a player to get through here, you nearly have to be the best in the world in your position,” he said.
“Even Phil, with all his talent, had to wait for his chance.
“That is everyone’s dream but we also have to be realistic. We are probably not going to produce five, six, seven at one time like you may have in years gone by.
“What we have to strive to do is develop players for elite first-team football.
“We have done quite well at that recently. Our academy has offered a successful pathway for young players to go and play in the Premier League and the Champions League.”
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