The Pep Guardiola revolution has already begun in Manchester, as the ex-Barca coach looks to out smart Manchester rival Jose Mourinho in the upcoming season – and the Manchester City fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern could not be more excited.
With the likes of Nolito arriving from Celta Vigo and Dortmund midfielder Ikay Gundogan moving to the Ethiad, Pep has already made significant headway with his summer plans.
Known to prefer a team that can utilise quick passing and high pressure football, Guardiola will likely want to build a youthful team that can handle each of the 38 game Premier League season.
One thing they say about Guardiola’s Barcelona squad was that they were a family, a real team, willing to dig in for each other. Something that doesn’t stand out as a real quality of the Manchester City squad is that ‘together’ atmosphere, and is 100% something Pep will being trying to install before next season.
This may mean we are likely to see several new arrivals before the end of the transfer window, and could find that many of the faces that have been first names on the team sheets for the last few years, no longer are.
After a Pep shake up, this might be next season’s dream Manchester City midfield…
CDM – Fernandinho
Since moving to Manchester in 2013 Fernandinho has already made 139 appearances in a side that is heavy on competition.
Despite being 31 years old, his high work rate, determination and varied skill set will mean he is still likely to command a midfield spot next season.
A player comfortable with sitting deep and dominating possession and able to play in a quick and dynamic side as shown during his time at Shaktar, he is surely a player Pep will value.
CDM – Ilkay Gundogan
New boy Gundogan signed a four year deal at Manchester City for a fee understood to be £21 million. Recently labelled ‘a bargain’ by Paul Scholes in contrast to United’s big money purchase of Paul Pogba.
He was deployed in a deeper position for Dortmund last season, and although it lead to a reduction in goals, he was still capable of bringing the ball forward making 2.2 successful dribbles on average per game. Something Guardiola looks for in his defensive midfielders.
Our landlord reckons he could become a star under Guardiola this year.
LAM – David Silva
Another ageing Manchester City player, David Silva turned 30 in Januray. The Spanish magician has never relied on pace, but instead his trickery and the speed at which he reads the game.
I think we will start to see Silva drop slightly deeper, and perhaps more central, where he is able to make those killer passes. Silva’s an asset for any possession based side.
Now about to go into his seventh season for Manchester City, the playmaker will likely be one of the veterans in Pep’s side next season.
CAM – Toni Kroos
Likely to interchange with Gundogan and Fernandinho, this central trio are all so disciplined, yet all so capable and skilled on the ball they will boss the midfield next season.
Toni Kroos coming to City has been a pipe dream for many of The Citizens here in the Football Transfer Tavern, but this could be the summer that the deal actually happens. With recent speculation and Kroos’ fondness for his old Bayern Munich boss, perhaps the attraction will be too strong.
Having performed at the top level in both German and Spanish football consistently, the 26 year old would likely adapt to the Premier league very quickly, bringing an exceptional level of experience with him considering his age.
RAM – Kevin De Bruyne
Guardiola once described Kevin De Bruyne’s performances as “madness” during his spell in Germany, and after the Belgian racked up 16 goals for City last season, he will most certainly be a first 11 player for the Sky Blues.
De Bruyne impressed fans within the Football Transfer Tavern last season with his emphatic performances, quick passing and silky dribbling, not to mention his impressive total of 9 assists.
Feeding off the central midfield 3, our Landlord thinks that there is no doubt the 25 year old will grab bags of assists and goals once again next season.
