As reported by Manchester Evening News, Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has remained coy over his future next season. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Premier League this summer, with Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly interested in his services.
Ndombele told French newspaper Le Progres, “As I told my agents and the club, I’m not fixed yet, I did not make a decision. Of course, I could see myself staying with Lyon, the club will be in the Champions League. But I’ve not asked the question to stay or not, and I’ve not spoken with the new staff.”
This could potentially serve as a massive boost for both the Manchester clubs. And while United are keen to acquire his services next season, Ndombele could be equally important for Premier League champions Manchester City as they look to maintain their dominance in English football.
Why Should Manchester City beat Manchester United in the pursuit of Ndombele
Manchester City have been flawless under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola in the past couple of seasons. The Catalan has successfully managed to rejuvenate the entire squad after taking over in 2016 and has transformed them into one of the best sides in Europe.
However, Guardiola has always been a perfectionist. And although his team played remarkably well during the 2018/19 campaign, the ex-Bayern Munich head coach will be keen to address a few problems in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Especially in the holding midfield department, the Sky Blues lack any reliable option other than Fernandinho. But, the Brazilian international, at the age of 34, is already in the final phase of his career. Hence, finding a proper replacement could be crucial, and that’s where Ndombele could come into the fray.
The Frenchman is a well-rounded midfielder, who can not only provide cover for the backline but can also distribute possession across the pitch. He has attained a remarkable pass completion rate of 89%, which is only bettered by former Man City defender Jason Denayer in the Lyon team during the 2018/19 campaign.
Ndombele is also quite proficient in taking on defenders, with the midfielder averaging an impress 1.9 successful dribbles per game in the recently concluded Ligue 1 season. Another key feature of Ndombele’s game is his aggression and mobility. Unlike Fernandinho, the young midfielder will be able to offer dynamism in midfield. And this could make Man City much more vigilant in the middle third of the pitch.
All of these traits add up to Ndombele’s case for being the ideal replacement for Fernandinho. The Frenchman, at the age of just 22, will not only be able to add more quality to Manchester City midfield but can also provide a prospect for the future. Hence, Guardiola must beat Manchester United in the pursuit of this talented midfielder, who is more than ready to make the next step in his career.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
