According to a recent report by Sky Sports, Manchester City have identified Leicester City’s Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans among several other centre-half options to resolve their defensive woes this season. The Citizens had to endure a lot of defensive problems this term following the departure of Vincent Kompany and the long-term injury to Aymeric Laporte earlier this year.
Therefore, logic dictates that they would be looking to strengthen their squad in January despite Pep Guardiola previously insisting that he would not look to do so (via Sky Sports).
Leicester’s Sensational Start To This Campaign
The Foxes have made a stellar start to this campaign under the expert stewardship of Brendan Rodgers. They currently find themselves two places above the Premier League champions in second place, eight points behind the league leaders, Liverpool in the Premier League standings.
Most of their success this season has been down the incredible defensive performances of their centre-backs, Evans and Soyuncu. Both defenders have formed a solid partnership at the heart of the Leicester backline and their brilliant form has seen them concede only eight goals in 12 league matches so far. At this moment, the East Midlands side holds the best defensive record in the English top-flight.
Soyuncu Vs Evans: Who Has The Statistical Edge?
Soyuncu has made 12 appearances in the Premier League this term, averaging 2.3 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 5.5 clearances per game (stats via whoscored). Comparatively, playing the same amount of league matches, Evans has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 4.3 clearances per game so far (stats via whoscored).
Both Leicester centre-backs are in an excellent run of form, but Soyuncu is just 23, so he has the potential to break into the world-class bracket someday. However, Evans is on the wrong side of his 30s and only has a few years left in him to play at a high level.
Between Soyuncu And Evans, Who Will Be A Better Fit For The Citizens?
Therefore, Guardiola is better off concentrating on Soyuncu as he will be an excellent acquisition for them in the long-run. Furthermore, the Turkish defensive ace has all the attributes to succeed alongside Laporte when he returns from his injury next year.
On the other hand, Man City would be making a mistake if they recruit Evans as he can still be a bit unreliable at times when he is not playing with confidence on the field.
