As reported by Manchester Evening News, Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has hinted that he may join Manchester City this summer after singing praises of Pep Guardiola as well as the club in his recent interview. The Frenchman told Canal+, “Wouldn’t you like to play for Manchester City? They are a big European club. Then there is Pep Guardiola, who is the reference for me in terms of a manager. He sees everything before anyone else.”
Aouar has enjoyed a productive campaign in the French top flight, and this message could serve as a massive boost for Manchester City as they aim to strengthen their midfield department further this summer.
Houssem Aouar’s success at Lyon
Aouar has been a crucial part of the Lyon setup for the past couple of years. This season, in particular, the Frenchman’s service in midfield played a critical role in an excellent season that saw Lyon finish third in the league table, two points behind second-placed LOSC Lille.
He mustered over 3,000 minutes of league football and was involved in as many as 15 goals. Aside from that, he also built a formidable midfield partnership with Tanguy Ndombele. And these two Frenchmen are now considered as two of the hottest midfield prospects in Europe this summer.
What will Aouar bring to the table for Manchester City?
Aouar is an attack-minded midfielder who likes to make driving runs into the final third. His excellent control over the ball allows him to drift past defenders and ideally act as the ball-carrier. He has averaged 1.2 key passes per game, which is a highly respectable tally for a central midfielder.
Aouar is well aware of defensive chores as well, having made 1.7 tackles and almost one interception per game. But he is primarily an attack-minded midfielder, who will be better suited in an attacking midfield role.
Speaking of which, the Frenchman has covered five different roles for Lyon this season, including the left wing position. And this is indicative of his versatility not only in the middle but also in the wider areas of the pitch.
Should Manchester City make a move?
Manchester City don’t necessarily need another attack-minded midfielder given how well Bernardo Silva has performed this past season. But, in light of the waning powers of David Silva, Aouar will be a welcome addition to the team. The veteran Silva has also been linked with a move away from Etihad. Aouar, in that regard, can fill up that hole in the event of the Spaniard’s potential departure. And at the age of 20, he will turn out to be a smart long-term investment for the Sky Blues.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
