“ Tavio d'Almeida “

The unknown Cardiff City teenager seriously impressing Neil Harris ahead of Sheffield Wednesday season opener

The academy prospect has been training with the first team during pre-season and is thought to be impressing City's coaching staff



Wednesday 26th August 2020





A clutch of academy prospects have been hand picked to train with the Cardiff City first team since pre-season got under way last week.

It is part of Neil Harris' remit, indeed it appears to be the ambition of the manager anyway, to show youth a pathway and bring through some of the talent currently plying their trade in the academy setup.




“ Tavio d'Almeida “


One player in particular appears to be showing his class already.

Sources close to the first team have said that Tavio d'Almeida has really impressed Neil Harris and his staff in recent weeks.



The 19-year-old was brought in last August, having been released by French club Auxerre that summer, and was thrown straight in at the deep end when Neil Warnock named him on the bench for the Carabao Cup clash with Luton Town.

The Bluebirds, of course, lost that one convincingly, d'Almeida didn't play and City were dumped out of the cup, meaning opportunities for academy prospects suddenly became thin on the ground.

But d'Almeida grew stronger as the season wore on and was a mainstay for the club's under-23s.

An old-fashioned No.6, the disciplined midfielder marshals the back four excellently and brings a lovely tempo to his play when in possession, too.

Indeed, on many occasions d'Almeida even captained Steve Morison's side, such was the esteem in which he was held.

When WalesOnline covered an under-23s match back in March, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, we noted just how commanding a presence the young Frenchman has, along with an abundance of potential.

"A midfield general in this young Bluebirds team. Looks a mature player, who is no frills whatsoever," we wrote at the time, also giving him an 8/10 player rating for the match.

"Short, sharp passing in attack and a leader who organises in defence. Always popped up and intercepted when Ipswich threatened to attack. The sort of player every team should have."

On that performance alone it looked as though d'Almeida could transition seamlessly into first-team football and WalesOnline has learned he has carried on in the same vein in senior training.


Cardiff CIty's Tavio d'Almeida (Image: Instagram/Tavio d'Almeida)
That area of the squad is particularly well stocked, though, with Will Vaulks, Leandro Bacuna, Joe Ralls and Marlon Pack all vying for two spots in behind the playmaker.

But there will be plenty of opportunity for Harris to select from his younger crop, with a congested fixture schedule owing to the season's late start date and, the club will hope, a longer run in the Carabao Cup and even the FA Cup.

The youngsters, too, will surely be heartened by the effusiveness with which Harris speaks about the academy and wanting more graduates in the senior setup.

Another player who deserves a mention is Kieron Evans, the versatile 18-year-old who has also been training with the first team.

Evans is usually found at home on the left wing but can play either side, in the No.10 role or even up top and is another player whose progress Harris and his coaching staff have been quietly pleased with.

It remains to be seen just how much game time these rising Bluebirds stars are to be afforded in the months to come, but one thing is for certain, they appear far more likely to have a shot with Harris at the helm and a more streamlined squad ahead of them.

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The unknown Cardiff City teenager seriously impressing Neil Harris ahead of Sheffield Wednesday season opener

The academy prospect has been training with the first team during pre-season and is thought to be impressing City's coaching staff



Wednesday 26th August 2020





A clutch of academy prospects have been hand picked to train with the Cardiff City first team since pre-season got under way last week.

It is part of Neil Harris' remit, indeed it appears to be the ambition of the manager anyway, to show youth a pathway and bring through some of the talent currently plying their trade in the academy setup.




“ Tavio d'Almeida “


One player in particular appears to be showing his class already.

Sources close to the first team have said that Tavio d'Almeida has really impressed Neil Harris and his staff in recent weeks.



The 19-year-old was brought in last August, having been released by French club Auxerre that summer, and was thrown straight in at the deep end when Neil Warnock named him on the bench for the Carabao Cup clash with Luton Town.

The Bluebirds, of course, lost that one convincingly, d'Almeida didn't play and City were dumped out of the cup, meaning opportunities for academy prospects suddenly became thin on the ground.

But d'Almeida grew stronger as the season wore on and was a mainstay for the club's under-23s.

An old-fashioned No.6, the disciplined midfielder marshals the back four excellently and brings a lovely tempo to his play when in possession, too.

Indeed, on many occasions d'Almeida even captained Steve Morison's side, such was the esteem in which he was held.

When WalesOnline covered an under-23s match back in March, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, we noted just how commanding a presence the young Frenchman has, along with an abundance of potential.

"A midfield general in this young Bluebirds team. Looks a mature player, who is no frills whatsoever," we wrote at the time, also giving him an 8/10 player rating for the match.

"Short, sharp passing in attack and a leader who organises in defence. Always popped up and intercepted when Ipswich threatened to attack. The sort of player every team should have."

On that performance alone it looked as though d'Almeida could transition seamlessly into first-team football and WalesOnline has learned he has carried on in the same vein in senior training.


Cardiff CIty's Tavio d'Almeida (Image: Instagram/Tavio d'Almeida)
That area of the squad is particularly well stocked, though, with Will Vaulks, Leandro Bacuna, Joe Ralls and Marlon Pack all vying for two spots in behind the playmaker.

But there will be plenty of opportunity for Harris to select from his younger crop, with a congested fixture schedule owing to the season's late start date and, the club will hope, a longer run in the Carabao Cup and even the FA Cup.

The youngsters, too, will surely be heartened by the effusiveness with which Harris speaks about the academy and wanting more graduates in the senior setup.

Another player who deserves a mention is Kieron Evans, the versatile 18-year-old who has also been training with the first team.

Evans is usually found at home on the left wing but can play either side, in the No.10 role or even up top and is another player whose progress Harris and his coaching staff have been quietly pleased with.

It remains to be seen just how much game time these rising Bluebirds stars are to be afforded in the months to come, but one thing is for certain, they appear far more likely to have a shot with Harris at the helm and a more streamlined squad ahead of them.

I hope they can step up about time we have a few youngsters coming through

Nothing better than seeing youngsters taking their first steps on the road to being first team regulars. Really glad NH is all for giving them a chance.

The unknown Cardiff City teenager seriously impressing Neil Harris ahead of Sheffield Wednesday season opener

The academy prospect has been training with the first team during pre-season and is thought to be impressing City's coaching staff



Wednesday 26th August 2020





A clutch of academy prospects have been hand picked to train with the Cardiff City first team since pre-season got under way last week.

It is part of Neil Harris' remit, indeed it appears to be the ambition of the manager anyway, to show youth a pathway and bring through some of the talent currently plying their trade in the academy setup.




“ Tavio d'Almeida “


One player in particular appears to be showing his class already.

Sources close to the first team have said that Tavio d'Almeida has really impressed Neil Harris and his staff in recent weeks.



The 19-year-old was brought in last August, having been released by French club Auxerre that summer, and was thrown straight in at the deep end when Neil Warnock named him on the bench for the Carabao Cup clash with Luton Town.

The Bluebirds, of course, lost that one convincingly, d'Almeida didn't play and City were dumped out of the cup, meaning opportunities for academy prospects suddenly became thin on the ground.

But d'Almeida grew stronger as the season wore on and was a mainstay for the club's under-23s.

An old-fashioned No.6, the disciplined midfielder marshals the back four excellently and brings a lovely tempo to his play when in possession, too.

Indeed, on many occasions d'Almeida even captained Steve Morison's side, such was the esteem in which he was held.

When WalesOnline covered an under-23s match back in March, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, we noted just how commanding a presence the young Frenchman has, along with an abundance of potential.

"A midfield general in this young Bluebirds team. Looks a mature player, who is no frills whatsoever," we wrote at the time, also giving him an 8/10 player rating for the match.

"Short, sharp passing in attack and a leader who organises in defence. Always popped up and intercepted when Ipswich threatened to attack. The sort of player every team should have."

On that performance alone it looked as though d'Almeida could transition seamlessly into first-team football and WalesOnline has learned he has carried on in the same vein in senior training.


Cardiff CIty's Tavio d'Almeida (Image: Instagram/Tavio d'Almeida)
That area of the squad is particularly well stocked, though, with Will Vaulks, Leandro Bacuna, Joe Ralls and Marlon Pack all vying for two spots in behind the playmaker.

But there will be plenty of opportunity for Harris to select from his younger crop, with a congested fixture schedule owing to the season's late start date and, the club will hope, a longer run in the Carabao Cup and even the FA Cup.

The youngsters, too, will surely be heartened by the effusiveness with which Harris speaks about the academy and wanting more graduates in the senior setup.

Another player who deserves a mention is Kieron Evans, the versatile 18-year-old who has also been training with the first team.

Evans is usually found at home on the left wing but can play either side, in the No.10 role or even up top and is another player whose progress Harris and his coaching staff have been quietly pleased with.

It remains to be seen just how much game time these rising Bluebirds stars are to be afforded in the months to come, but one thing is for certain, they appear far more likely to have a shot with Harris at the helm and a more streamlined squad ahead of them.

I hope they can step up about time we have a few youngsters coming through

If they can’t step up there’s no point having an academy.

The unknown Cardiff City teenager seriously impressing Neil Harris ahead of Sheffield Wednesday season opener

The academy prospect has been training with the first team during pre-season and is thought to be impressing City's coaching staff



Wednesday 26th August 2020





A clutch of academy prospects have been hand picked to train with the Cardiff City first team since pre-season got under way last week.

It is part of Neil Harris' remit, indeed it appears to be the ambition of the manager anyway, to show youth a pathway and bring through some of the talent currently plying their trade in the academy setup.




“ Tavio d'Almeida “


One player in particular appears to be showing his class already.

Sources close to the first team have said that Tavio d'Almeida has really impressed Neil Harris and his staff in recent weeks.



The 19-year-old was brought in last August, having been released by French club Auxerre that summer, and was thrown straight in at the deep end when Neil Warnock named him on the bench for the Carabao Cup clash with Luton Town.

The Bluebirds, of course, lost that one convincingly, d'Almeida didn't play and City were dumped out of the cup, meaning opportunities for academy prospects suddenly became thin on the ground.

But d'Almeida grew stronger as the season wore on and was a mainstay for the club's under-23s.

An old-fashioned No.6, the disciplined midfielder marshals the back four excellently and brings a lovely tempo to his play when in possession, too.

Indeed, on many occasions d'Almeida even captained Steve Morison's side, such was the esteem in which he was held.

When WalesOnline covered an under-23s match back in March, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, we noted just how commanding a presence the young Frenchman has, along with an abundance of potential.

"A midfield general in this young Bluebirds team. Looks a mature player, who is no frills whatsoever," we wrote at the time, also giving him an 8/10 player rating for the match.

"Short, sharp passing in attack and a leader who organises in defence. Always popped up and intercepted when Ipswich threatened to attack. The sort of player every team should have."

On that performance alone it looked as though d'Almeida could transition seamlessly into first-team football and WalesOnline has learned he has carried on in the same vein in senior training.


Cardiff CIty's Tavio d'Almeida (Image: Instagram/Tavio d'Almeida)
That area of the squad is particularly well stocked, though, with Will Vaulks, Leandro Bacuna, Joe Ralls and Marlon Pack all vying for two spots in behind the playmaker.

But there will be plenty of opportunity for Harris to select from his younger crop, with a congested fixture schedule owing to the season's late start date and, the club will hope, a longer run in the Carabao Cup and even the FA Cup.

The youngsters, too, will surely be heartened by the effusiveness with which Harris speaks about the academy and wanting more graduates in the senior setup.

Another player who deserves a mention is Kieron Evans, the versatile 18-year-old who has also been training with the first team.

Evans is usually found at home on the left wing but can play either side, in the No.10 role or even up top and is another player whose progress Harris and his coaching staff have been quietly pleased with.

It remains to be seen just how much game time these rising Bluebirds stars are to be afforded in the months to come, but one thing is for certain, they appear far more likely to have a shot with Harris at the helm and a more streamlined squad ahead of them.

I hope they can step up about time we have a few youngsters coming through

If they can’t step up there’s no point having an academy.

True, but early days yet under NH who is all for bringing them thru

How many times have we told about the next big thing from the youth team. Cameron Coxe, Tommy O Sullivan etc. I will only believe we have someone with a future as A footballer not playing for Hereford Weston-Super-Mare or Barry when he has played 30 games for us and we have sold him to WBA for £25 million.

Neil Harris knows he has to bring through some players from the development squad.

He's said on numerous occasions that he doesn't have much money to spend and Dalman has said the same. I expect the signing of Kieffer Moore represented a large chunk of our budget.

He can bring in some decent players on loan obviously.

But he said at the end of last season that he would bring through some of the young players at the club, and it looks like he's being true to his word.

Neil Harris knows he has to bring through some players from the development squad.

He's said on numerous occasions that he doesn't have much money to spend and Dalman has said the same. I expect the signing of Kieffer Moore represented a large chunk of our budget.

He can bring in some decent players on loan obviously.

But he said at the end of last season that he would bring through some of the young players at the club, and it looks like he's being true to his word.

Exactly as I see it Harris has said in interview, he wants to create a pathway for youngsters to break through into the 1st team squad.and with the youngster signed from arsenal,is a sign he will give young players a chance he's selected a few from the u 23's to train with the 1st team,giving them a taster,I'm happy with that,let's hope 1 or two go on to shine for us

The unknown Cardiff City teenager seriously impressing Neil Harris ahead of Sheffield Wednesday season opener

The academy prospect has been training with the first team during pre-season and is thought to be impressing City's coaching staff



Wednesday 26th August 2020





A clutch of academy prospects have been hand picked to train with the Cardiff City first team since pre-season got under way last week.

It is part of Neil Harris' remit, indeed it appears to be the ambition of the manager anyway, to show youth a pathway and bring through some of the talent currently plying their trade in the academy setup.




“ Tavio d'Almeida “


One player in particular appears to be showing his class already.

Sources close to the first team have said that Tavio d'Almeida has really impressed Neil Harris and his staff in recent weeks.



The 19-year-old was brought in last August, having been released by French club Auxerre that summer, and was thrown straight in at the deep end when Neil Warnock named him on the bench for the Carabao Cup clash with Luton Town.

The Bluebirds, of course, lost that one convincingly, d'Almeida didn't play and City were dumped out of the cup, meaning opportunities for academy prospects suddenly became thin on the ground.

But d'Almeida grew stronger as the season wore on and was a mainstay for the club's under-23s.

An old-fashioned No.6, the disciplined midfielder marshals the back four excellently and brings a lovely tempo to his play when in possession, too.

Indeed, on many occasions d'Almeida even captained Steve Morison's side, such was the esteem in which he was held.

When WalesOnline covered an under-23s match back in March, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, we noted just how commanding a presence the young Frenchman has, along with an abundance of potential.

"A midfield general in this young Bluebirds team. Looks a mature player, who is no frills whatsoever," we wrote at the time, also giving him an 8/10 player rating for the match.

"Short, sharp passing in attack and a leader who organises in defence. Always popped up and intercepted when Ipswich threatened to attack. The sort of player every team should have."

On that performance alone it looked as though d'Almeida could transition seamlessly into first-team football and WalesOnline has learned he has carried on in the same vein in senior training.


Cardiff CIty's Tavio d'Almeida (Image: Instagram/Tavio d'Almeida)
That area of the squad is particularly well stocked, though, with Will Vaulks, Leandro Bacuna, Joe Ralls and Marlon Pack all vying for two spots in behind the playmaker.

But there will be plenty of opportunity for Harris to select from his younger crop, with a congested fixture schedule owing to the season's late start date and, the club will hope, a longer run in the Carabao Cup and even the FA Cup.

The youngsters, too, will surely be heartened by the effusiveness with which Harris speaks about the academy and wanting more graduates in the senior setup.

Another player who deserves a mention is Kieron Evans, the versatile 18-year-old who has also been training with the first team.

Evans is usually found at home on the left wing but can play either side, in the No.10 role or even up top and is another player whose progress Harris and his coaching staff have been quietly pleased with.

It remains to be seen just how much game time these rising Bluebirds stars are to be afforded in the months to come, but one thing is for certain, they appear far more likely to have a shot with Harris at the helm and a more streamlined squad ahead of them.

I hope they can step up about time we have a few youngsters coming through

If they can’t step up there’s no point having an academy.

there has been no point for years.. was revamped { again } last year and it seems we have been looking a bit further afield so hope it improves... last player who had any serious game time was Declan John who OGS pushed but really wasnt good enough if honest..

The unknown Cardiff City teenager seriously impressing Neil Harris ahead of Sheffield Wednesday season opener

The academy prospect has been training with the first team during pre-season and is thought to be impressing City's coaching staff



Wednesday 26th August 2020





A clutch of academy prospects have been hand picked to train with the Cardiff City first team since pre-season got under way last week.

It is part of Neil Harris' remit, indeed it appears to be the ambition of the manager anyway, to show youth a pathway and bring through some of the talent currently plying their trade in the academy setup.




“ Tavio d'Almeida “


One player in particular appears to be showing his class already.

Sources close to the first team have said that Tavio d'Almeida has really impressed Neil Harris and his staff in recent weeks.



The 19-year-old was brought in last August, having been released by French club Auxerre that summer, and was thrown straight in at the deep end when Neil Warnock named him on the bench for the Carabao Cup clash with Luton Town.

The Bluebirds, of course, lost that one convincingly, d'Almeida didn't play and City were dumped out of the cup, meaning opportunities for academy prospects suddenly became thin on the ground.

But d'Almeida grew stronger as the season wore on and was a mainstay for the club's under-23s.

An old-fashioned No.6, the disciplined midfielder marshals the back four excellently and brings a lovely tempo to his play when in possession, too.

Indeed, on many occasions d'Almeida even captained Steve Morison's side, such was the esteem in which he was held.

When WalesOnline covered an under-23s match back in March, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, we noted just how commanding a presence the young Frenchman has, along with an abundance of potential.

"A midfield general in this young Bluebirds team. Looks a mature player, who is no frills whatsoever," we wrote at the time, also giving him an 8/10 player rating for the match.

"Short, sharp passing in attack and a leader who organises in defence. Always popped up and intercepted when Ipswich threatened to attack. The sort of player every team should have."

On that performance alone it looked as though d'Almeida could transition seamlessly into first-team football and WalesOnline has learned he has carried on in the same vein in senior training.


Cardiff CIty's Tavio d'Almeida (Image: Instagram/Tavio d'Almeida)
That area of the squad is particularly well stocked, though, with Will Vaulks, Leandro Bacuna, Joe Ralls and Marlon Pack all vying for two spots in behind the playmaker.

But there will be plenty of opportunity for Harris to select from his younger crop, with a congested fixture schedule owing to the season's late start date and, the club will hope, a longer run in the Carabao Cup and even the FA Cup.

The youngsters, too, will surely be heartened by the effusiveness with which Harris speaks about the academy and wanting more graduates in the senior setup.

Another player who deserves a mention is Kieron Evans, the versatile 18-year-old who has also been training with the first team.

Evans is usually found at home on the left wing but can play either side, in the No.10 role or even up top and is another player whose progress Harris and his coaching staff have been quietly pleased with.

It remains to be seen just how much game time these rising Bluebirds stars are to be afforded in the months to come, but one thing is for certain, they appear far more likely to have a shot with Harris at the helm and a more streamlined squad ahead of them.

I hope they can step up about time we have a few youngsters coming through

If they can’t step up there’s no point having an academy.

True, but early days yet under NH who is all for bringing them thru

no doubt like all managers he is all for it. who doesnt want free shit hot kids ? but its more to do with whats in your academy.. i dont think he brought through many diamonds at Millwall ? they are either good enough or not no matter how many pathways you build .

Looks promising, but let's not get too excited until we see that either, or both, are given squad numbers

Anyone know if Taz Mayembe is training with the first team? He was in the match day squad a few times last season

Kieron Evans has been tipped by a couple of posters as a possible breakthrough youngster.

Much better chance of youngsters having a chance to break through with a smaller squad, two Senior players for each position is enough with the Academy players covering any injuries or loss of form!

Nothing better than seeing youngsters taking their first steps on the road to being first team regulars. Really glad NH is all for giving them a chance.

Another reason to be impressed by Harris. Really building for the future and I think he's earnt some time at the helm to put his stamp on our club and the team

Thing is many times in the past we've let youngsters go only to see them flourish somewhere else a couple of seasons later but maybe this time the shoes on the other foot. Released last summer this kid is getting stronger and will probably further develop over the next 18 months perhaps so it would be great if he could develop into a regular first teamer over the next couple of seasons.I think also that Harris is the right man to bring them on at the right pace and not too much too soon.

Thing is many times in the past we've let youngsters go only to see them flourish somewhere else a couple of seasons later but maybe this time the shoes on the other foot. Released last summer this kid is getting stronger and will probably further develop over the next 18 months perhaps so it would be great if he could develop into a regular first teamer over the next couple of seasons.I think also that Harris is the right man to bring them on at the right pace and not too much too soon.

Have we released youngsters only to see them flourish elsewhere? Apart from Declan John who is not a regular at Swansea I can't think of a single player from our youth team who is playing at a level higher than league one and not many of them even at that level. To find any who made it to the premier league you have to go back to the Ramsey Collins era.

I am a bit more optimistic about the current lot because just on the law of averages no matter how incompetent our youth system is they have to produce someone decent quite soon.

Thing is many times in the past we've let youngsters go only to see them flourish somewhere else a couple of seasons later but maybe this time the shoes on the other foot. Released last summer this kid is getting stronger and will probably further develop over the next 18 months perhaps so it would be great if he could develop into a regular first teamer over the next couple of seasons.I think also that Harris is the right man to bring them on at the right pace and not too much too soon.

Have we released youngsters only to see them flourish elsewhere? Apart from Declan John who is not a regular at Swansea I can't think of a single player from our youth team who is playing at a level higher than league one and not many of them even at that level. To find any who made it to the premier league you have to go back to the Ramsey Collins era.

I am a bit more optimistic about the current lot because just on the law of averages no matter how incompetent our youth system is they have to produce someone decent quite soon.

I agree with you mate.
I do wonder though, instead of saying ‘they’re not yet ready’ if we’d just put them in the first team and let them gain experience there (sink or swim) if any would have made it.
Basically what I’m saying is, is it possible that our reluctance to blood younger players is making them ‘stale’ in the under 23s. Just a thought.

Thing is many times in the past we've let youngsters go only to see them flourish somewhere else a couple of seasons later but maybe this time the shoes on the other foot. Released last summer this kid is getting stronger and will probably further develop over the next 18 months perhaps so it would be great if he could develop into a regular first teamer over the next couple of seasons.I think also that Harris is the right man to bring them on at the right pace and not too much too soon.

Have we released youngsters only to see them flourish elsewhere? Apart from Declan John who is not a regular at Swansea I can't think of a single player from our youth team who is playing at a level higher than league one and not many of them even at that level. To find any who made it to the premier league you have to go back to the Ramsey Collins era.

I am a bit more optimistic about the current lot because just on the law of averages no matter how incompetent our youth system is they have to produce someone decent quite soon.

The point I was trying to make is it doesn't really matter what level,just youngsters that go on and find first team football at any EFL level.Theres no club in the country that consistantly pumps out prem quality players.My main critisism is about coaches who decide a young players future at 16 or 17. They are let go too early because they are deemed as too weak physically, just as perhaps d'Almeida was by Auxerre.Now he is getting stronger its us that might now benefit from them letting him go too early.

Thing is many times in the past we've let youngsters go only to see them flourish somewhere else a couple of seasons later but maybe this time the shoes on the other foot. Released last summer this kid is getting stronger and will probably further develop over the next 18 months perhaps so it would be great if he could develop into a regular first teamer over the next couple of seasons.I think also that Harris is the right man to bring them on at the right pace and not too much too soon.

Have we released youngsters only to see them flourish elsewhere? Apart from Declan John who is not a regular at Swansea I can't think of a single player from our youth team who is playing at a level higher than league one and not many of them even at that level. To find any who made it to the premier league you have to go back to the Ramsey Collins era.

I am a bit more optimistic about the current lot because just on the law of averages no matter how incompetent our youth system is they have to produce someone decent quite soon.

The point I was trying to make is it doesn't really matter what level,just youngsters that go on and find first team football at any EFL level.Theres no club in the country that consistantly pumps out prem quality players.My main critisism is about coaches who decide a young players future at 16 or 17. They are let go too early because they are deemed as too weak physically, just as perhaps d'Almeida was by Auxerre.Now he is getting stronger its us that might now benefit from them letting him go too early.

its often younger than 16 or 17.. all academies go through lots of kids . its the nature of the game.. where does it end ? have a trial but keep all of them ? they try to keep the better ones..

Another reason to be impressed by Harris. Really building for the future and I think he's earnt some time at the helm to put his stamp on our club and the team