Manchester City have some serious issues at the back and it is not just limited to a certain position as the whole backline is in need and will most likely be subjected to an overhaul, with the exception of John Stones. But the sad part for City is that won’t be the case due to his superlative displays but because they spent £47m on him and need to stick with him now.
While the central defence will likely see one incoming player, the fullback is an area that will need through inspection. City’s four available fullbacks are all above 30 and are visibly not suited to carry on day in, day out in a high-intensity set-up as Pep Guardiola’s.
The four fullbacks Pep has at his disposal are all above 30 and considering the fact that the Catalan’s high-intensity approach, especially from his wide players, requires endless energy and tireless running along with a strong technical base, Pep’s decision not to invest in a fullback was perhaps not the best decision.
And with that in mind, let us take a look at 3 alternatives whom City can sign to solve their left-back conundrum in the long-term.
JUAN BERNAT (BAYERN MUNICH)
The Bayern Munich man is supposedly on Pep’s radar and the Catalan was the one who bought him from Valencia when at the Allianz Arena. He is skilful, is strong technically, he has pace and is sound defensively as well. He averages an impressive 88.1% pass accuracy in all competitions this season. Capped 7 times for Spain since 2014, he has made 86 appearances in three seasons at Bayern, but the chance to work with Pep again and play more regularly may appeal to him.
JONAS HECTOR (FC KOLN)
The 26-year-old is a regular in Joachim Low’s German national team now and boasts 24 senior caps for Die Mannschaft. Few modern full-backs are defensively as sound. He’s strong in one v one situations and is an example of a good modern-day full-back. Additionally, Hector has the handy ability to be able to break swiftly from defence and has the ability to position himself in advanced areas and his off the ball movements are also eye-catching.
DANNY ROSE (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)
An unlikely target, given Tottenham Hotspur’s recent surge in stature and the excellent work done by Mauricio Pochettino with a young squad at his disposal. Rose has experienced a kind of renaissance and his contributions from the left fullback and wingback area has been key for them. Possessing searing pace and a new-found solidity in defence and a consistent end product in attack, he is a coveted by a number of clubs now.
