The true child prodigy, the great promise of Norwegian football, once again captivates and leaves the Sky Blues stunned

Bobb has been one of the breakout stars of the season under Pep Guardiola, taking advantage of Riyad Mahrez, Cole Palmer and James McAtee moving elsewhere to make his senior debut for club and country. If it feels like the youngster is just getting started at the Etihad, many in his homeland have been waiting to see this for almost a decade. From before he reached double figures, Bobb was attracting international interest from clubs as his dribbling skills wowed crowds and word spread about his talent.

He played up an age group in the Lyn team based in Oslo, and before too long had become a sensation that people from all over the country were dashing to see in action. The mania around Bobb subsided when he left for Portugal aged 12, and there his career stalled. FIFA did not believe that Bobb had moved with his family for the purposes for their work, and blocked attempts to enrol him first in Porto's academy and then another club. Lyn were keen to get him back but it was Valerenga who won the battle for his signature. Bobb struggled with injuries though and by this time the Norwegians had two other prodigies in Martin Odegaard and Erling Braut Haaland to be excited by.

In 2019, Bobb moved to City's academy and after a few years developing with the Under-18s - including a year with current first-team coach Carlos Vicens - he moved up to the Under-21s, where his understated play helped Cole Palmer, James McAtee and Liam Delap to showcase their considerable talents. Bobb has had to be patient again in his fledgling career waiting for his chance under Guardiola. City have always made it clear how much they rate him though, and their flat rejection of significant interest in him in the summer transfer window signalled that he would get his chance this season.

It is one thing to get that chance and quite another to take it as he has done. The 20-year-old impressed not just with his performance in the first pre-season friendly but also his attitude afterwards where he was less than satisfied with his display. The wait has been worth it because Bobb has seamlessly slotted into the City side in a similar way to Rico Lewis last season, earning starts in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League in over 500 minutes of football for City that has also brought him his first international appearances and goal.

His current influence on the team

Central to his start at the Etihad has been his eye for a pass and intelligent use for the ball, such as the incisive pass played into the box for Phil Foden that brought the second goal against Sheffield United. His goal against Red Star in Belgrade was also a reminder of his dribbling abilities, his mazy run and finish earning a beaming Guardiola to declare him a reality and prompting more nostalgia in Norway.