According to a recent report from Sport as cited by Sport Witness, Manchester City are very interested in signing Bayern Munich’s versatile defender David Alaba. Pep Guardiola even tried to bring him last summer, but Bayern didn’t sanction the move as City didn’t allow Leroy Sane to leave in that same transfer window.
Why Manchester City need defensive reinforcements?
City are likely to lose their Premier League title as Liverpool have raced to a 25 points lead on the top of the table. It is clear that defensive vulnerabilities have cost City dearly this campaign in the league. Hence, many of us are expecting the Citizens to add more quality and options at the back.
The club failed to replace Vincent Kompany in the summer. The likes of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have continued to disappoint and coupled with Aymeric Laporte’s injury, City’s defence has been breached numerous times.
Guardiola has already worked with Alaba during his Bayern Munich days. The Austrian reportedly wants to come to the Camp Nou, but Barcelona are aware that his salary demands are very high. Meanwhile, City can afford to pay his wages.
Should Guardiola go for him?
Alaba is seen as a versatile option as he has played as a left-back, centre back and midfielder. Give his versatility; he will be an ideal fit in the Guardiola system. The team is also struggling to find a long term left-back option. Given that Benjamin Mendy has done well of late after putting behind his injury concerns, Alaba can easily slot in at centre back when required. The defender will also allow Guardiola to play the high defensive line as the 27-year-old has impressive pace, which would enable him to recover in a foot race with strikers.
The Austrian is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, and that is why he has even played as a midfielder before for his club and country. The 72 times international has a hammer of a left foot, and he can deliver dangerous crosses or take shots from a distance. Given that he has already played under Guardiola, he would be aware of what the Catalan manager needs from his players.
As a centre back, one area where Alaba might struggle in the Premier League is in the air. Apart from that, there seems to be no glaring weakness in his game. City should be all over him when the transfer window starts as he can solve quite a few problems for Guardiola.
