The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Why Jadel should be even better now
Posh fans should see a new, improved Jadel Katongo this season.
The 19 year-old Manchester City loanee was pretty impressive last season as he helped Posh to a League One play-off place as well as a Wembley triumph in the EFL Trophy Final.
But he was used predominantly as a right-back which is not the position he has starred in for most of his young career at City. He’s been a ball-playing central defender all the way though the ranks at the Premier League champions
It’s the position he now expects to play in his second loan spell at the Weston Homes Stadium.
"It’s good to be versatile,” Katongo said. “And playing in different positions helps your game, but centre-back is my position and I’m looking forward to showing what I can do there this season.
"I am buzzing to be back. I enjoyed it so much last season I couldn’t wait for the chance to do it again. I learnt so much working with the gaffer and his staff.
"It’s been a good summer for me as travelling with the first-team squad to the United States was a great experience. It was tough, but also enjoyable.
"It was then a bit stressful for a month waiting to see where I would be going, but I’m very happy with how it’s turned out.”
Katongo made a total of 43 appearances for Posh last season including a couple in central midfield. He started 23 League One matches, mostly in the second-half of the season after another loanee Peter Kioso left the club.
“Jadel needs no introduction as he was excellent for us last season and we are delighted to get him back,” Posh manager Darren Ferguson said. “I know we said we wanted a left-footed central defender and we did try, but at that point we didn’t know Jadel would be available.
"We have always had him in mind, but we felt he would go to a Championship club so when we heard he might be available we got involved and here he is.
"It’s a terrific signing for us. We have signed him to play centre-back and I am looking forward to working with him again.”
That work started in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy tie at Gillingham when Katongo played for 75 minutes as he builds up his match fitness.
He is expected to start the next League One game at home to Lincoln City on September 14.