According to the sources close to ESPN FC, Manchester City are no longer looking to sign a new left-back during the upcoming summer transfer window and are prepared to drop their interest on Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell.
The same report has revealed that Oleksander Zinchenko’s incredible run of form as a left-back has changed Pep Guardiola’s mind and so, he is no longer on the hunt for a new full-back in this off-season.
Manchester City’s Left-back Conundrum
Man City also has Benjamin Mendy in their squad to feature in that position. However, the French defensive ace has been plagued with injuries since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium back in the summer of 2017. Furthermore, he has struggled to find consistency at the back which has seen Zinchenko feature more often in Guardiola’s starting XI.
Zinchenko Vs Chilwell: Who Has Got The Statistical Edge?
The Ukrainian defender has enjoyed a stellar run of form after putting in a series of impressive displays at left-back during this campaign. He has featured in 26 matches for the Citizens this term, scoring one goal while grabbing five assists in all competitions. More importantly, Zinchenko has made an average of 2.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.3 clearances per game in the Premier League thus far (Stats taken from Whoscored).
Comparatively, Chilwell’s numbers for this season are quite similar to Zinchenko’s in the offensive third of the pitch. The Leicester left-back is yet to score for his club this term, but he has managed to create five assists in 34 matches across multiple competitions. However, Chilwell’s defensive stats are slightly worse as he has made an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 3.5 interceptions per game in the English top-flight (Stats taken from Whoscored).
Has Guardiola Made The Right Call By Dropping His Interest On Chilwell?
All the numbers seem to suggest that Guardiola might have gotten it right when it comes to keeping his faith on his current left-back options of Zinchenko and Mendy. Both full-backs have enough in their locker to feature for the Citizens for years to come.
Chilwell, on the other hand, will have a better chance to earn regular first-team opportunities at the King Power Stadium. If he can gradually improve his game over the next few campaigns, then there is no doubt that he will get his chance to play for an elite European club soon enough.
