Manchester City have slowly moved into the top-4 of the Premier League with a decent run of results recently. Pep Guardiola, who is in his debut season at the club, made a few changes to the squad in the summer but he is yet again looking for additions at the end of the season. He has been linked with some of the best names in the business and one such name that is constantly doing the rounds at the moment is the Portuguese midfielder, William Carvalho.
The 24-year old EURO16 winner is one of the most attractive players in Europe in his position and has been a transfer target for almost every big club in the Premier League. However, Manchester City are determined to sign him at the end of the season and are ready to meet his valuation in the summer. So what will Carvalho add to the City squad at the Etihad? Is he a decent option for Pep Guardiola?
A central midfielder who can also play a slightly defensive role, Carvalho is a player who will suit Manchester City’s style pretty well. Known for his vision and passing abilities, Carvalho is a player who loves to sit back in front of the defensive line to win the ball deep in his half and turn into an attack. He loves to play short passes even in dangerous areas to set his team mates free and is adept in setting his team up on counters. He is also an excellent dribbler but his biggest strength is his determination to win the ball back.
He is at his best as a deep-lying midfielder when he is responsible to cut down opposition’s counter. He loves to put his body on the line when needed and is a player with high concentration levels. His ability to break up play in the midfield is what will attract Pep Guardiola. The likes of Fernando, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure are the three players who are capable of playing that role while Ilkay Gundogan may also be used. Carvalho will be an upgrade on all the names except the latter and he will walk into the first team next season if Guardiola manages to get him to the club.
Carvalho, at just 24, has won the EURO 16 with his national side recently and also has been successful in his stint in Portugal. Though he has no real experience of playing outside his home country, he will not find a better manager to play under in his debut season away from Portugal. Guardiola’s style may take some time to adjust but at just 24, Carvalho has enough time to come good and will surely improve the squad at the Etihad in a years time. At the moment, he is a player that Guardiola needs next season and he should do anything to get this deal done in the summer. Do you think Manchester City should snap Carvalho before the
Do you think Manchester City should snap Carvalho before the big guns come circling this summer?