Manchester City took a huge step towards attaining their ultimate goal of being one of the Top 3 heavyweights in Europe when they acquired the services of Pep Guardiola. They have diligently followed Barcelona’s blueprint and with the financial backing, it has been possible to do so. They have focused on the academy and to secure a relatively quick ascent up the pecking order, have spent big. They are now a formidable and moderately respected side when it comes to Europe and are already a bonafide big hitter in the Premier League. With Pep Guardiola’s appointment and the lengths to which the club hierarchy went to secure him, it goes to show the faith and trust they have in his methods.
Right from the onset, he has shown that he is unwilling to visit the past and follow the same method in attaining success, namely when it comes to personnel. Yes, his footballing philosophy is the same but with a slight tweak here and there. But he has focused on getting young and raw talent and balance it with the existing crop of players who are basically the backbone of the club and vital components of the club’s recent success.
Let us take a slightly speculative but at the same time, realistic look at the team Pep Guardiola is looking to form together. A major part of which will be formed by the time the next transfer window shuts.
PEP GUARDIOLA’S IDEAL MANCHESTER CITY XI (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Bravo has failed to live up to his name (literally) and there are doubts regarding his long-term future. City want a keeper who will establish his own legacy in a similar manner to that of Hart and they are likely to go determinedly after Benfica’s Ederson in the summer. Hector Bellerin is and will be a target of Pep and if Arsene leaves the club, a move to the Etihad is certainly on the cards. John Stones is a long-term option and alongside him, an experienced campaigner will certainly come in. Bonucci, after his fallout with the manager, is a realistic target and we all know the longevity of Italians. Age won’t be an issue. Laporte turned down a move but City are likely to go for him once more. He can play at left-back and can slowly shift towards centre-back as time goes by.
MIDFIELD
Gundogan will be the preferred option once he recovers. He will be ahead of Fernandinho and Toure in the pecking order. The 3-man midfield will be completed by Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva, who have been excellent in their roles.
ATTACK
The threesome of Jesus, Sterling and Sane which made such waves are certainly on the right path to becoming the future of City’s strike force and there is real hope that they can emulate some of the great attacking partnerships of recent times like the BBC or MSN. (Not the channels)
