Our Head of Academy and Under-19s coach expressed that opinion after the fine 2-1 comeback victory over Valencia’s youngsters in the UEFA Youth League on Wednesday afternoon. The spirited win was the fifth of a group-stage campaign that yielded 16 points and 20 goals in total.
Garner and Greenwood were both set to feature in that game, before Mourinho and the first team came calling. Butt feels James and Mason have inspired the rest of his youth players to follow in their footsteps after making their first breakthrough.
“It is massive for Jimmy and Mason,” Nicky told us in Valencia.