Max Allen: Who is the Manchester City defender who made his Premier League debut against Brighton

While still in the early stages of his professional career, Allen’s playing style has seen him transform into an athletic centre-back who is comfortable passing and dribbling the ball – drawing comparisons with City and England team-mate John Stones.

Allen made 16 appearances in the Championship for Watford, and was not only one of the team’s most consistent players in clearances and tackles, but also ranked highly in dribbles and long passes.

He was signed as an eight-year-old by Southampton and thrown into the under-18s when he was just 15, playing a key role in an academy group that now included Everton winger Tyler Debling.

“He had that kind of innate sporting ability,” said former Southampton academy director Matt Hill, who now holds the same position at Derby County.

“He grew, he became strong, he was quick. He loved defending but he also built up an incredible upside of being able to handle the ball, dribble, dribble out from the back, and almost run with the ball like a modern-day centre-back does.”

He added: “Not only did he have the defensive skill set, but he also provided a lot for the team with the ball, and he was very efficient with the ball at his feet.”

Alleyne’s performances attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in England, and she eventually signed for City.

“He was definitely one of our best under-16 players and you don’t want to lose your best players,” Hill added.

He added: “I’m sure he would have thrived and performed well had he stayed at Southampton, but also if I got an offer of compensation or finance and it became a commercial decision for the board.”