Manchester City starlet Jayden Braaf must surely be knocking on Pep Guardiola's door in the hopes of earning a spot in the Spanish manager's first-team, as he continues to impress for the academy sides.

The 18-year-old was signed from PSV Eindhoven's youth team in 2018 and was quickly promoted to City's Under-23 side, despite his tender age (per Transfermarkt).

The Dutchman has hugely impressed with the academy sides at City, having now scored 12 goals in just 23 appearances for the U'23s.

It was reported towards the end of the 2019/20 season that Braaf was training with Guardiola's first-team but he is yet to make an appearance for the senior side.

There have also been suggestions that he is becoming frustrated with his lack of opportunities under the Spanish manager and you imagine that if he did want to leave the Etihad Stadium outfit, there would be no shortage of interest in the 18-year-old.

City must therefore do everything they can to avoid a situation similar to Jadon Sancho's, with the Englishman deciding, after a lack of opportunities, that his future lay away from Manchester City.

He joined Borussia Dortmund for a fee of just £7.05 million and has gone on to establish himself as one of the hottest prospects in European football after some superb displays for the Bundesliga side.

In just 108 appearances for BVB, he has contributed 36 goals and 47 assists (per Transfermarkt), which has led to him being valued at an eye-watering £105.3 million and he obviously attracted some serious interest from Manchester United during the summer.

Therefore, City should perhaps consider giving Braaf an opportunity in their first-team in the near future, otherwise, they risk a repeat of Sancho's situation.

Former Manchester City U'23 coach Paul Harsley was full of praise for Braaf during his time managing the youngster, saying:

“Jayden’s a real handful for opposition full-backs when we can give him the ball and he’s got space to go and run at them.

“You can see with the goals he has scored and the chances he has created that – whether he goes outside or inside - he gives opposition defences all sorts of problems.

“He has performed well - along with all of the rest of them.

“Jayden has only just turned 17 and though he is still growing, it’s incredible to see his physique."

Braaf has certainly impressed at academy level and it is now time to give him a chance to show what he can do in senior football.