The Bluebirds are flying at the top of League One, with Brian Barry-Murphy having been praised for blooding youngsters
Brian Barry-Murphy (L) in Cardiff City training(Image: Cardiff City TV)
There is a real buzz around Cardiff City at the moment – and not just because they are riding high at the top of League One.
Clearly, results have a big say in shaping fans' feelings, but what has made this season doubly sweet is seeing the huge talent breaking through and thriving in the third tier. The likes of Dylan Lawlor, Joel Colwill, Matt Turner, Ronan Kpakio and Tanatswa Nyakuhwa have joined fellow academy grads Cian Ashford, Rubin Colwill, Eli King and Joel Bagan in supplementing the first team so far.
It has led some to ask, well, who will be next? Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
Eagle-eyed fans have spotted 16-year-old Robert Tankiewicz in Cardiff training in recent weeks after his own rise within the youth ranks in recent weeks.
Rising teenage star Tankiewicz last month grabbed the attention of Cardiff fans after the 16-year-old starred in the Bluebirds' U21s win over Crewe.
Tankiewicz was playing five years below the age bracket, but scored twice in the Bluebirds' 3-0 triumph over the Railwaymen.
The Cardiff academy star, who has been with the club since U9s, has captained Wales at age-grade level and looks a top prospect in that attacking midfield role.
And since then it looks as though he has received a promotion, having been pictured with the first-teamers at The Vale last week.
Given it's the international break, and City have fallen foul to a number of first-team injuries at the start of the season, it might be that Barry-Murphy's staff needed numbers to fill the session.
However, given the Bluebirds head coach's penchant for handing youngsters a chance, it would not be a huge surprise to see Barry-Murphy include him moving forwards, whether that be in one of City's many cup matches or, if he impresses, even in the league further along the line.
Here he is pictured below, wearing No.94 on his shorts...
Tankiewicz is currently away in Estonia with Wales U17s, whom they beat on Wednesday in convincing fashion, 4-1. They will take them on again today in another friendly in Talinn.
Robert's father, Tomasz, had wanted his son to represent Poland. Speaking to Przegląd Sportowy Onet last year, former midfielder Tomasz said of his son: "My son has been training at Cardiff City for seven years. Now he feels more connected to Wales.
"I just have to wait. I can't push!"
Clearly, though, he is well and truly in Wales' pathway. The talented midfielder, according to his father, has even drawn attention from top Premier League clubs while in Cardiff's academy, as many of his contemporaries have done in recent years.
Robie Tankiewicz of Wales is seen in action during the U16 Victory Shield match between Scotland and Wales at Broadwood Stadium on October 13, 2024
"There's been a lot of interest," Tomasz said in March last year. "The first to reach out, about two years ago, were representatives from Manchester City.
"Because he dreamed of Manchester United. It's his favourite club. A year ago, the Red Devils contacted him. They even offered my ex-wife a move to Manchester and a job change. My son was already feeling his legs.
"I explained to Marta that she couldn't take up the offer because it wasn't done that way. The Welsh (club) had invested a lot of time and money in him. We have to be fair to them.
"Besides, whether it was in one Manchester or the other, he would be just one of many. An injury or other setbacks, and it could be the end. If one player doesn't make it, there are several more to take his place."
Speaking of his son's confidence, Tomasz recalled one story involving former City striker Robert Glatzel. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
"Let me tell you an anecdote," he said. "Every week on Friday, a senior player comes to train with the younger groups. Robert Glatzel, who currently plays for HSV, once had the opportunity to train with my son's team.
"My son walked up to him, hugged him, and in front of everyone said, 'Well, you play well, but I plan to score more goals for Cardiff City than you!'
"And his eyes were like 5 złoty coins, that a 12-year-old would jump out at him with such a line. He's not afraid of anything, the little scoundrel (laughter)."
It's clear that Tankiewicz is another within the ranks who has a high ceiling, and seeing those a couple of age grades above him breaking through will only heighten his desire to push on and impress this season.
Indeed, speaking before scoring that brace against Crewe last month, the teenager said: “Since I’ve started my scholarship, I’ve really enjoyed my time with City both on and off the pitch.
"I’ve been working hard, and the opportunities have come off the back of that. I’m much more comfortable in the U21s now, and now is the time to stay consistent and find my spot in the team.
“I’ll have been at the club for eight years when December comes around. I found out I was being offered a scholarship last December, so seven years since I joined, and it’s just such a proud moment. I’ve had a positive start to pre-season and the season itself, and I can’t wait to play more."
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