Melbourne City midfielder Lawrence Wong created Club history last night, became the first player to make his A-Leagues debut after completing the entire City Player Development Pathway.
The 17-year-old academy graduate signed his first professional contract with the Club in July last year, putting pen to paper on a three-year scholarship contract with an option for a further season.
From the Melbourne City Football School (CFS), through the Club’s Academy teams, to earning his first professional contract, Wong’s starting debut in City’s 2-0 win over Western United saw him become the Club’s first footballer to complete the entire pathway.
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As City extended their unbeaten run, kept a clean sheet and gained three valuable points against their cross-town rivals, it was a debut to remember for Wong who was involved in the team’s opener.
Delivering a pin-point corner, Wong’s cross was met by Ben Mazzeo’s powerful header which ricocheted off the upright, before Harry Politidis found the back of the net to make it 1-0 at AAMI Park.
Of City’s current senior squad, Jayden Necovski, Peter Antoniou and Lachie Charles have all progressed from CFS to the first team, without yet making their senior debuts.
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A creative playmaker with great technical ability, Wong is one of City’s brightest young talents.
Following his debut, Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar reflected on his talent when speaking to the team on Paramount+: “He has a little bit of x-factor in terms of his creativity… We needed something there in midfield.
“He hasn’t played a hell of a lot. Played most of his NPL games last year. He has a different quality but he is still very young.
“In time, we think he is going to be very good. He has silky skills, can hit a ball, good delivery, can take people on as you can see.”
