5 players you didn't know were in the Manchester City academy

Manchester City v FC Basel - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
Manchester City's academy is evolving!

#3 Loris Karius (Liverpool)

West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool - Premier League
After a tough start at Liverpool, Karius has regained his confidence

Karius was representing Germany U-16 against Azerbaijan in 2009 when he caught Manchester City's eye. He was invited to England, and was then signed by City in July 2009. But, unfortunately, he never came close to making it to their first team.

He later returned to Germany with Mainz, where he established himself as one of Bundesliga's best goalkeepers.

He had a stellar 2015-16 season, and was voted as the league's best goalkeeper after Manuel Neuer. This led Liverpool to sign the German in the summer of 2016. He struggled initially, and had to play second-fiddle to Simon Mignolet.

Those shaky days seem to be over, as Karius has become Liverpool's first choice under Jurgen Klopp over the course of the current season. He has slowly started showing what he is capable of and has kept 14 clean sheets in 27 games this campaign.

Still only 24, he has a bright future ahead of him and perhaps we are yet to see the best out of the German.

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