Having finished in third place in the league last season and not winning any silverware in his first season in English football, it was evident Pep Guardiola “The Special One” was going make adjustments.
Pep endured a mixed campaign last term with his major problems coming notably from the back and some issues with finding the right players to use, the right formation and the job of rotating the squad and also keeping the players happy.
Manchester City were always a threat going forward last season, as free flowing attacking football is now synonymous with the team. Bearing in mind that German international Ilkay Gundogan was out for most of the season the team was still a real attacking force, now with the addition of fancy feet Bernado Silva and the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Toure, David Silva, Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling to mention a few in their midfield and quality forwards such as Aguero and Jesus Gabriel there’s really no defence that won’t be worried to face them. They have pace, freelance playmakers, physical presence, sharp shooters name it, and they have it all in their arsenal.
Over one hundred million pounds has been spent in bringing in defenders and more importantly a goalkeeper because they had real problems in that department last term with Claudio Bravo not displaying the qualities he showed for Barcelona and the manager is still not convinced Joe Hart is the man for the job and has allowed him to join West Ham on loan. Benfica goalkeeper Ederson Soares who continues to develop into one of the best goalkeepers around is going to be the first choice for the season and he seems very capable. The City defence never seem to find their balance without influential skipper Vincent Kompany and injuries have hampered his playing time. John Stones still needs to grow up, Otamendi needs a real commander beside him and age was telling on their full backs who have been released ahead of the new season. Established Premier League full back Kyle Walker was brought in from Tottenham Hotspurs along with Real Madrid’s Danilo who is looking to get more first team football and Benjamin Mendy who was brilliant for Monaco last term and these players can add the much needed quality to that City defence.
Judging by their performances in pre-season, the gaffer seems to have found the right formation to make the team tick. Although, it might affect some players such as Leroy Sane because of the added defensive responsibility but they are looking good at the moment. Samir Nasri who is back from his loan spell at Sevilla could also prove to be a major attacking outlet should he stay because the gaffer has deemed the Frenchman surplus to requirements. If this Manchester City team are firing on all cylinders, there’s no stopping them and they would really be the team to beat.
Enjoy the new season.
Cheers.
Ifeoluwa Adenihun.
