Lamb scores twice on EDS debut as Parker targets first-team breakthrough at Man City

Teddie Lamb underlined his growing reputation as one of Manchester City’s most clinical finishers by scoring twice on his EDS debut against Tottenham, with only a goal-line clearance denying him a hat-trick in a 4-2 defeat.

The 17-year-old forward, who joined City from Leyton Orient in 2025, had begun the season with four goals in four games for the Under-18 side before earning a call-up to Oli Reiss’ Under-21 squad. The step up appeared to trouble him not at all. Lamb scored 28 goals in 29 appearances last term, finishing as the Under-18 Premier League’s top scorer as City retained the title and won the FA Youth Cup.

The decision has now been taken to integrate Lamb into the EDS setup on a regular basis, with the club evidently keen to maintain his momentum rather than return him to the Under-18 environment where he has already proven himself emphatically.

Xavier Parker, meanwhile, has his sights set on an even bigger stage. The 16-year-old forward made the step up to the Under-21s this season after a summer in which several leading clubs were reported to be monitoring his situation. That speculation has since given way to focus, with Parker now targeting a first-team debut before the campaign is out.

Parker travelled with Enzo Maresca’s senior squad to Asia for pre-season and described the experience as a formative one. “Watching the first team’s attention to every detail was amazing,” he said. “Everything’s a lot more focused and precise and everything’s checked and looked after. I’d probably say I learnt a lot from Enzo and his coaching staff.”

The teenager added that the exposure had sharpened his ambitions rather than overawed him. “That whole experience made me really hungry for more. The aim really is that I kick on and can become an established EDS player. I’ll try to score frequently and then hopefully later in the season make my debut.”

Parker also found the net for England youth at international level last week, contributing to a 5-1 victory over Ireland. He was not alone in representing City’s academy on that occasion — Darren Motsi came off the bench, won and converted a penalty in the same game, adding another name to the list of young Blues catching the eye beyond club level.