Manchester City and left backs are one of the most incongruous duologies in football. While the rest of the team prides itself on world-class firepower and depth, this is one department that has been an Achilles heel; a short-staffed area on an otherwise rich roster.
The transfer window underlined its spectacular unpredictability when it was announced that Joao Cancelo would be completing a loan move to Bayern Munich for a €70m buy option. By no means is the Portuguese defender a left back by trade, but drew plaudits as one of the finest full-backs in the game in that very position since joining from Juventus.
Nathan Ake being Pep Guardiola’s best option on that side of the back line speaks volumes of the need to bolster their ranks.
On that note, with a few frantic hours of the January window left, here are three options the Premier League champions might consider.
#1 Alex Grimaldo
At the moment, all the talk surrounding Benfica is regarding the widely appreciated Enzo Fernandez.
This, therefore, opens a window of opportunity for Manchester City to cash in and finally secure a target they’ve been linked with since the summer.
Grimaldo has been a mainstay at Benfica and is one of the first names on the team sheet. With two goals and five assists already this season in the Primeira Liga, he is well-set for what could be his best season at the club.
Grimaldo brings a wealth of experience, having played for a side that loves to dominate with overloading on flanks and tearing the opposition down.
In the event City try to rope him in following the end of the season, they may have to battle it out with his former club Barcelona.
#2 Antonee Robinson
Antonee, more popularly known as Jedi Robinson, is a left back who was under Manchester City’s brilliant, microscopic radar a couple of years back.
Moulded in the Everton academy, Robinson has proved his worth in the top-flight with Fulham. Showcasing his ability to venture forward, sprint up and down the pitch at relentless intensity, he’s turned into one of Marco Silva’s chief creators.
The USMNT international is also adored by Pep Guardiola.
The Cityzens believe he can bring in the tenacity and fill in the big shoes of Cancelo, and it could be a matter of hours before they table an opening bid to tempt the player’s entourage as well as Fulham.
#3 Ben Chilwell
Yes, you heard that right. Manchester City lost longstanding target Marc Cucurella to Chelsea a few months back. But before that, they were highly interested in Ben Chilwell.
The player has endured a tough time on the sidelines for Chelsea, but his performance against the PL holders in the Champions League final rightly summarized all he’s about.
He’s a full back that can block channels, defend astutely when required to get narrow and vice-versa. He can also win aerial battles despite not having the most frightening frame.
Going forward, he’s arguably one of the best there is. Chilwell is a remarkable finisher, both from outside the box, and with volleys among other sparkling techniques that are deemed to be too good for a left back to have in their locker.
Although he remains a vital player for Chelsea, Manchester City might return to knock on the doors.
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Ank Kumar. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.