Thomas Krucken has been named new Manchester City academy director.

Krucken succeeds Jason Wilcox, who left this summer to become football director of Southampton.

The 45-year-old, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, joins City from VfB Stuttgart.

“This is an opportunity I could not turn down. Everyone knows Manchester City have one of the best Academy set-ups in world football. The chance to come here and build on their amazing work of recent years is one that really excites me," Krucken said.

“Everything City's Academy stands for matches my values. They play an outstanding style of football, defined by keeping the ball and attacking the opposition. It's brilliant to watch.

“But they also place heavy emphasis on producing good human beings. This Academy is designed to ensure young players are not only technically proficient with high football IQ, but also well educated, respectful and thoughtful.

“It's exactly how an Academy should be set up and I can't wait to get started and introduce some new ideas and practices."

City football chief Txiki Begiristain also told City's website: “Thomas is a great person who has an excellent track record in youth football.

“He has a vision for where our Academy needs to be over the next five to ten years. His ideas match with ours, which is a great starting point.

“Over recent years, our Academy has produced so many top-class players. Some have made their way into the first team and others have moved on and are having successful careers elsewhere.

“We are very, very proud of our track record. I believe Thomas can build on that success and make us even better.

“We will provide him with everything he needs to ensure our Academy remains the best and I can't wait to start working with him."