Roberto Mancini has already given Manchester City fans an inkling of his potential dealings in January by publicly stating his admiration for Fiorentina winger Alessio Cerci.
Mancini, who has brought in world class player after world class player at City since taking the reigns, has identified Alessio Cerci as a future target and has spoken warmly of him;
“He is one of the few players who are able to win a game on their own. If I could have I would have brought him to the Premier League a year ago. But we could not complete the transaction and in all honesty I must say that I understand Fiorentina.”
Alessio Cerci, sold to Fiorentina from Roma 1 year ago for approximately €4m, is adept at playing on either wing with either foot. He is explosive, likes to cut in from the byline and can even deputise as a striker.
From what we have seen so far in Man City’s season, they are playing free-flowing, position swapping football, unlike the rigorous defensive approach Mancini took last season. The midfield core swap in and out making it difficult to know who to mark, while the wingers have an equal tendency to do the unexpected.
Roberto Mancini has bought players who are able to fulfil a fluid role in the squad showing versatility and comfortability in several positions and it appears Alessio Cerci could well fit into this system. His modern game and versatility would serve the side well.
My only question would be whether or not Man City need another winger. Having a squad that can compete on cup and league fronts is vital and Mancini has already stated he wants 2 world class players for every position.
In terms of wide personnel though, the squad is packed. David Silva, James Milner, Mario Balotelli and Samir Nasri are all very capable of playing on the wing. Add to this the fact we might well get used to seeing Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero playing in a David Villa-esque (for Spain) position by cutting in from wide should Edin Dzeko keep up the form he is in.
Alessio Cerci, it appears, would be a great signing for Man City considering his strengths, style of play and ability. If the deal is struck in January though, could Adam Johnson be packing his suitcase?
Do you have an opinion on Alessio Cerci? Is there a position in the Man City squad that needs addressing more urgently than the wing?
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Cerci is strange, he is inconsistent but at his best is just as good as Alexis Sanchez who City wanted so bad. But at his worst he can go missing and that is why he would cost 3 times cheaper than Alexis. Mancini would surely use him as an impact substitute for many games, he is better than Johnson just a little so Mancini could sell Johnson for crazy English price like 20 million and buy Cerci for 6 million.
There are lots of good players out there. Whether we need another winger i doubt. Whether given that we have an awful lot at the moment then i think we would have to sell first. We were told all through the window that Johnson was on his way and wouldn’t even start a game. He started and finished one today. I was not too impressed with his today though he was unlucky not to score at the end. I would though quite like to see us stick with the squad we have, perhaps all through till the end of the season. It would put one over our detractors & perhaps give some of the EDS a chance to play too. Who knows what talents we have been nurturing.
Ina direct answer to your question, i think we still have to sort the defence out. I am not sure about Lescott. Other than that i am very happy. I do also live in hope that Lescott comes good.