Once 'English Messi', Roberts now at Birmingham

Patrick Roberts, once labelled the 'English Lionel Messi', is now playing in the Championship for Birmingham City, eleven years after Manchester City paid £12 million to sign him. The winger joined Fulham's academy at the age of 13 and made his senior debut for the club at 17, coming on as a substitute against Manchester City in March 2014. Then Fulham manager Felix Magath described the teenager as an 'extraordinary talent' after his debut.

Despite failing to score in 17 Championship appearances the following season, Manchester City bought into the hype and signed him in the summer of 2015. It was around this time that his nickname from the Fulham academy, 'Mini Messi', became widely known, leading many to brand him the 'English Messi'. Roberts himself referenced his likeness to Lionel Messi in February 2016, stating: "It’s a conscious thing for me to be like Messi. I’ve watched him for years and he’s my idol. You try to copy what he does, and it also comes naturally to me as well."

However, Roberts made just three first-team appearances for Manchester City before being sent on loan to Celtic after six months. This began a series of loan spells lasting seven years, including stops at Girona, Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Derby County and Troyes, before he left City permanently in 2022.

After four years at Sunderland, Roberts joined Birmingham City permanently in the summer and is now an important figure in Chris Davies' team as they push for promotion. While he did not live up to the 'English Messi' tag, Roberts has still achieved more than most players burdened with such comparisons.