Manchester City have taken a step ahead in search of a full back as they are now front-runners to sign Manchester United transfer target and AS Monaco star Benjamin Mendy this summer. Reports from the Daily Star suggest that the 22-year old wants to play Champions League football and is convinced that the Etihad is a decent place to play next season. So, is Mendy the right option for Guardiola this summer?
The likes of Gael Clichy and Aleksander Kolarov have played at left-back for Manchester City this season. Leroy Sane has been used as a wing-back on the left when Guardiola decided to use a 3-4-3 system. Mendy will replace all these stars in the first team in both the positions.
Known for his attacking quality, Mendy is a perfect wing-back who has an excellent cross up his sleeve from the left flank. He has superb vision and is an excellent passer of the ball, and he creates more chances than some of the midfielders in the Premier League. He has a goal and 11 assists to his name this season in all competitions and has been an effective and influential player in Monaco’s rise this season.
He is strong, yet athletic and can dribble past an opponent with ease. His passing range will sit in well with Guardiola’s style of play while his concentration and ability to sit back and defend when needed is something City have missed dearly this season.
None of the players in the squad at the moment are expected to start the next season at left-back and Guardiola is sure to spend on a player who can walk into the first team. Though he has been looking at the likes of Danny Rose and Luke Shaw, the French youngster seems to be a terrific option this summer.
He has more than 100 senior appearances in the French league and has represented the country at every level, including an appearance for the senior squad as well this year. All this at just 22-years of age. His performances in the domestic season will affect his chances for the national side so Mendy has to be careful in selecting his next team and Manchester City do not look a bad option whatsoever.
Mendy is yet to play outside France but he has enough potential to be a hit at the Etihad in a season’s time. Playing under Pep Guardiola is also bound to help him and if he can win the trust of the manager, this move to Manchester City might be the best decision of his life.
