Demeaco Duhaney arrived at the bet365 Stadium in the summer of 2021 having followed in the footsteps of the man who he is competing with for a place at right wing-back.
Like seasoned professional Tommy Smith, Duhaney started his career in the academy at Manchester City, playing regularly for the Citizens’ youth sides from the age of five.
After progressing through the ranks, the youngster was part of a star-studded team that reached the FA Youth Cup final in 2017, beating the Potters 9-2 on aggregate in the previous round.
Duhaney then stepped up to feature for the Citizens’ Under-23s squad as they competed in a number of competitions, including the UEFA Youth League, Checkatrade Trophy and Premier League 2.
After spending 12 years in East Manchester, the former England youth international made the move to then Premier League side Huddersfield Town in August 2018 to provide competition for Smith.
It was due to the suspension of Smith in February of that season that opened the door for Duhaney to make his senior debut in the Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
As the Terriers dropped into the Championship at the end of the campaign, coupled with Smith’s decision to join the Potters, the Manchester-born defender was afforded more game time over the next two years.
Across 2019/20 and 2020/21, Duhaney featured 21 times for the West Yorkshire club, which included a start in the enthralling encounter at the bet365 Stadium in November 2020, a game that the Potters won 4-3.