Man City’s spending over the last year or so has been about evolution, rather than revolution, under Pep Guardiola. After spending big during his debut season in England, he’s since reigned it in, instead focusing on improving a select few areas at the Etihad.
For example, bringing in Rihad Mahrez has helped to improve the attacking depth without replacing any of the brilliant performers from last season. There’s no need for City to bring in 10 world class players because they’ve already got a great squad, but what they do continue to need is minor improvements.
Particularly, the centre of the midfield is an area needing attention. Fernandinho is 33-years-old, and the Brazilian can’t keep playing every week forever.
Fortunately, this is an area that City are apparently looking to improve, at least according to the Express. The English publication is reporting that Tanguy NDombele of Lyon is a target of the Citizens. A natural central midfielder, he’d certainly fit right into the team in place of Fernandinho, and his arrival could give City’s team a new lease on life heading into next season.
Whilst there’s a lot of football still to play at the Etihad this term, it’s important to think about next year, and what could City’s team look like, especially if Ndombele arrives?
In goal, it’s hard to look past Ederson. The Brazilian has been brilliant since moving to the Etihad, and his skill with the ball at his feet makes him vital to the way that this team works. City would struggle to find better than him, and he’ll keep his place for a long while yet.
In defence, there’s a lot of scope for change, but who could get the nod? Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker seem like obvious choices on the flanks, as whilst both have had their own issues this term – like fitness and form concerns – the reality is that they’re undeniably the best players in their respective roles at the club. In the heart of the defence, there are some decisions to make. Who should start out of Vincent Kompany, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi? It’s very tough, but Laporte’s very impressive form would make him a good choice, you’d think. Alongside him, Vincent Kompany makes sense – helping to build the young and old dynamic – but Stones or Otamendi would be good alongside either man too.
In midfield, Ndombele would fit as the number 6 in this time in place of Fernandihno. There’s he’d be charged with ensuring that the Man City defence is protected, whilst it’s also important that he drives forward with the ball and is positive in the midfield. He’ll be the bridge between the defence and the attack, and with his great range of passing, dribbling and tackling, he’d be a great fit. He’s a jack of all trades, and at 22-years-old, he’s only getting better.
Man City’s attack is filled with quality, and nothing that hasn’t already been said can be mentioned. Between Bernardo Silva, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero, City have five of the best and most deadly players in European football, and they’re all at the peak of their powers. There is unlikely to be much change here because there’s simply no need for it.
Ndombele would only be a single addition to this team, but he’d add some much-needed youth to the outfit, and though he’d likely trade places with Fernandinho during his first season, he’d be the long-term option at the Etihad.
Man City fans – is this where Ndombele would fit in? Would Kompany still play? Let us know below!