According to a recent report by AS (via the Daily Mirror), Atletico Madrid are prepared to step up their chase to secure the services of Nicolas Otamendi from Manchester City. The same source has mentioned that the La Liga giants are planning to bring the Argentine centre-back to the Spanish capital as a replacement for Diego Godin.
Otamendi’s Important Squad Role At The Etihad Stadium This Season
The South American centre-half has been a sporadic feature in Pep Guardiola’s first-team this season. However, he has still managed to play the role of an important squad player who can fill in at the heart of the Man City defence when other first-team players are unavailable due to injuries or suspensions.
Otamendi has a wealth of experience in European football after playing for clubs such as FC Porto and Valencia before his decision to move to the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2015. The Argentine defensive ace has transformed himself into a serial winner having tasted success in the Premier League and the League Cup during his time under Guardiola.
However, time is catching up to him, and at 31, Otamendi needs a change in scenery so that he can regularly feature on the pitch ahead of the twilight years of his career. He has starred in a total of 32 matches for the Citizens this term and has one goal and one assist to his name across all competitions. More importantly, the Argentine talent has made an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 3.2 clearances per game in the Premier League so far (Stats taken from Whoscored).
What Does The Argentine Defender Offer On The Pitch?
Otamendi is vastly experienced at the highest level and knows what it takes to get over the line when the going gets tough on the pitch. He can read the game well and can make important interceptions for his team. Furthermore, he can still be a significant threat from set-pieces in front of the opposing goal. However, the Argentine centre-half has an occasional mistake in him, which is why he needs to be shipped out soon so that Guardiola can find a suitable replacement.
Should The Citizens Allow Otamendi To Leave This Summer?
Otamendi’s departure won’t affect the Man City first-team too much, but it will undoubtedly lower their squad depth heading into the new campaign. However, one can argue that the Citizens could move on and upgrade their centre-back options this summer to keep things fresh in the upcoming season.
Hence, the Argentine should be allowed to leave Manchester in this off-season as it will benefit both the player and the club.
