Teenager Floyd Samba said his debut was “mind-blowing” after his stunning two-goal display in Manchester City‘s 5-0 thrashing of Norwich.
The 17-year-old academy graduate stole the limelight as the much-changed holders eased past the weakened Championship side and into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
Playing up front in place of the rested Erling Haaland, Samba headed the opener just before the half-hour and curled in another after the break.
He also had a hand in a goal for Rayan Cherki in a lively display.
Samba said: “I knew there would be an opportunity to get some minutes for the first time with the first team, but to get a debut like that is mind-blowing.
“I couldn’t believe it myself but that’s just the beginning. I’ve got a big career ahead of me. It was a great debut. I couldn’t be happier right now.”
New winger Allan Elias, signed for an initial £32 million ($43m) from Palmeiras last month, also marked his first appearance with a goal while another promising youngster in Ryan McAidoo got on the scoresheet late on.
City, who have won their last six matches in all competitions, will now host Brighton in the next round.
Manager Enzo Maresca said: “I’ve said since day one I am quite happy with the way we are working.
“It was not an easy game because they were serious, they were professional, I’m so happy with the performance.”
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Maresca was pleased to see Samba, who regularly plays as a midfielder, grasp his opportunity.
The Italian said: “It was satisfying not just for the two goals but for the entire performance.
“He didn’t play many games as a nine, we tried in the last few days. He is very good at finishing so it was a very good game for him.”
The game was a clash of two second-string sides, with Maresca’s 10 changes almost matched by the nine made by Canaries boss Philippe Clement.
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While that indicated the tie was hardly a priority for the visitors, Clement was disappointed with the result.
He said: “Everybody kept on fighting, working and was disciplined. I saw several good individual performances but it is hard to take five goals from six shots on target.
“That is this level. That is why they are here and they don’t play Norwich.
“We know Man City has a really good squad. Norwich showed a good face but the result is too big for me.”
