Match Highlights: Max Alleyne: Who is the Manchester City defender handed Premier League debut against Brighton – Key Moments

While still in the infancy of his professional career, Alleyne’s playing style has seen him mould into an athletic centre-back who is comfortable both passing and dribbling with the ball – earning comparisons to City and England team-mate John Stones.

Alleyne made 16 Championship appearances for Watford and was not only one of their most consistent players at clearances and tackles, but he also ranked high for dribbles and long passes.

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

“He had that sort of innate athletic ability,” said his former Southampton academy manager Matt Hale, who now occupies the same role at Derby County.

“He grew, he got strong, he was quick. He liked defending but he also built an incredible positive aspect of being able to handle the ball, dribble, dribble out from the back, almost run with the ball like a modern day centre-back needs to do.

“He had not only the defensive skill set, he offered so much to the team with the ball as well, and he was very competent with the ball at his feet.”

Alleyne’s performances attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in England, eventually signing with City.

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

“I’m sure he would have thrived and done well had he stayed at Southampton, but also if you get offered compensation or finance and it becomes a business decision for the board.”