Heskey brothers debut for Manchester City as Foden leads Cup win at Huddersfield
Reigan and Jaden Heskey make their first-team bows in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win; Foden extends scoring form as City advance to Swansea in the fourth round
Manchester City advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory at Huddersfield, and the night produced a notable debut moment for two academy players: Reigan and Jaden Heskey, the sons of former England striker Emile Heskey.
City went into the tie with a comfortable lead after an early 2-0 cushion, and Pep Guardiola called on his bench to introduce the youngsters as the tie moved into the latter stages. The moment was underscored by the presence of Kolo Touré among the substitutes, a former City stalwart now working with the club on the coaching staff, as City kept their focus on development alongside results. The stadium atmosphere turned the spotlight toward the academy when the Heskeys stepped onto the field, the younger Reigan immediately injecting pace and trickery on the left flank while Jaden offered drive and industry in his box-to-box role. Reigan, at 17, is described on the club’s site as a tricky, clinical winger, while 19-year-old Jaden is viewed as a mature, hard-working midfielder who has captained City’s Premier League 2 sides. Both have been regulars with City’s academy teams, and Jaden even wore the armband in youth competition this year.
The pair were introduced in the latter stages as City consolidated their early advantage. Jaden came on for Nico O’Reilly, and Reigan followed shortly after, replacing Savinho, giving both brothers their first taste of senior football in the famous sky-blue jersey. The moment captured the club’s emphasis on progressing talent through the ranks, a theme Guardiola has highlighted as part of City’s long-term strategy. In 2024, Jaden helped City win the FA Youth Cup with a 4-0 victory over Leeds, a performance that underscored the potential now stepping into first-team contention.
Across the pitch, Phil Foden again showed why he has become a focal point of City’s attack. The 25-year-old midfielder has begun the season in fine form, with two goals and two assists across five appearances, continuing a renaissance that follows a period of injury and off-field disruption last season. Foden’s goal against Huddersfield illustrated his versatility and confidence, arriving in a position to finish a well-worked move that began with a patient buildup and quick exchanges with the debutant Divine Mukasa before delivering the final touch. He also laid on the second goal for Savinho, quickly establishing a rhythm that suggested he is returning to the peak level he reached in previous campaigns.
City’s boss was quick to credit Foden’s all-round influence, noting that when the team plays better, players elevate their own levels and that Foden’s best work comes when he operates with freedom in the attacking third. The goal-scoring and playmaking display in a single game reinforced what Guardiola has said in previous interviews: Foden can operate effectively in the pockets and, when given space, can produce moments that are difficult for opponents to anticipate. Foden’s form has been a talking point in the buildup to this week’s fixtures, with his consistency a clear signal that he is approaching his best level again after last season’s challenges.
Rico Lewis, another young City player speaking after the game, echoed the sentiment that Foden’s happiness and confidence feed into his performances. The midfielder highlighted how the team responds when Foden is thriving, pointing to the visible energy and positive momentum around the squad when he is in form. City now turn their attention to a run of matches that includes a home clash with Burnley, followed by away trips to Monaco and Brentford before the international break. The depth and quality across City’s squad will be tested as Guardiola balances cup commitments with the Premier League schedule and Europe’s calendar, but the early returns from the campaign suggest a squad capable of sustaining both results and development.
The win at Huddersfield also keeps Kalvin Phillips in the frame for more minutes. The England midfielder returned to the squad for the first time since December 2023 at the Club World Cup, a moment Guardiola called a good one for the player and the club. Phillips traveled from London on Wednesday after becoming a father for the second time, naming his newborn son Ari. His return adds another layer of familiarity and experience to a City side that continues to integrate younger players into meaningful roles while maintaining the required competitive edge across competitions.
With the Heskey brothers and Phillips now back in the mix, City will be aiming to stretch the momentum into Swansea in the next round. The blend of youth talent, seasoned internationals, and a core group of established performers like Foden offers City a broad platform from which to pursue silverware this season, while continuing to nurture players who could become regulars in higher-stakes fixtures in the near future.
