We are in our first international break, and the signs are ominous that it will be a two way battle for the Premier League prize again. Manchester City might have dropped points against Tottenham, but they still look like the team to beat this season.
However, their recent win against Brighton came at a high cost as centre back Aymeric Laporte went off with a knee injury. The defender could be out for several months (Goal), and that could be a significant cause for concern for the team management. The Citizens also failed to replace Vincent Kompany in the summer and centre back is one position where they are slightly limited in options.
Gary Neville on City’s defensive problems
Former Manchester United player Gary Neville recently said that the club missed a trick by not signing Harry Maguire. He also believes that Laporte’s absence will cost City a few points. Neville was quoted as saying on Sky Sports (Via Daily Star), “If Laporte is out for a long period of time, I think it will cost City points.”
Maguire would have been ideal. I think Manchester United did really well to get him, and I’m surprised City didn’t go with them to get him – maybe they did, and maybe they pulled out with the money or whatever it was.”
There is no doubt that Laporte’s absence will be a significant loss for the Citizens, but spending £80m on Maguire would have been slightly too much. Injuries can’t be predicted, and it’s sometimes easy to have an opinion in hindsight. Last season, Otamendi started in 14 games in the Premier League and Kompany in 13. Maybe Guardiola thought that three defenders would be more or less sufficient.
How can Pep overcome this situation?
The length of Laporte’s injury can be a problem, but we think that City has enough quality in them to find solutions internally. Guardiola has already indicated that he might use Kyle Walker or Fernandinho at the back if the situation arises and we feel that the two of them can be a decent alternative.
Fernandinho especially is an experienced campaigner who is known for his reading of the game and making smart challenges. He can press high, can play out from the back and is a committed player who would slot in well in defence.
Rodri’s signing means that Fernandinho wouldn’t be missed much in a defensive midfield position. Obviously, nobody can be as good as Laporte in City’s squad, and the lengthy injury absence couldn’t have been foreseen. However, City have enough quality and experience in their roster to come out of this situation. They indeed needed a centre back in the summer but not an £80m one.
