In a recent print edition, Mundo Deportivo mentioned that Manchester City are ‘willing to push hard’ for Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba this summer. It has been revealed that both Man City and Chelsea are monitoring the Spanish youngster’s situation at the Catalan club (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Moriba’s Impressive Rise In Spanish Football
Moriba has risen through the youth ranks of Barca over the past few years and deserves a lot of credit for breaking into Ronald Koeman’s first team last season. The talented starlet made 18 senior appearances for the Catalans in the previous campaign, netting one goal and grabbing three assists across all fronts.
Most of the Spanish midfield ace’s game time came off the bench which explains why he could only average 1.0 tackles, 0.4 interceptions, 0.9 shots, 0.5 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. However, he proved his worth as an excellent ball distributor after completing 91.6% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
With less than 12 months remaining in Moriba’s contract at the Nou Camp, Man City would be wise to test Barca’s resolve by launching a cut-price move for the promising teenager in this off-season. The 18-year-old has the potential to become a generational talent which makes him a great, long-term option for Pep Guardiola to consider this summer.
Is Moriba A Prospect For The Future?
Moriba is a moderately-paced midfielder who can make some clever runs with the ball towards the opponent’s penalty box. He can hamper the opposition’s flow in the game by getting stuck in with a few solid tackles in midfield. The Spanish whizkid can strike the ball with power and is usually a composed finisher in the final third. He also has a good work rate and can set up some decent plays for others around him. However, he is still quite inexperienced at the highest level.
At 18, Moriba has already begun to show glimpses of his true potential. Hence, Man City can expect him to grow into a class act in midfield under the expert guidance of Pep Guardiola if they can convince the youngster to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium in this summer transfer window or the next.
Moriba is already good enough to secure a place in Guardiola’s match-day squad but needs more experience before he is ready to feature in the Premier League week in week out. Plus, there are some question marks over whether he can cope with the physicality and high intensity of English football.
Even then, there is no denying that Moriba is a prospect to watch out for in the future, so Man City should think about moving in for him before the transfer window slams shut at the end of next month.
