Futures definitely bright. We should have a fair few quid in the cash reserves now after spending next to nothing over the last two windows.
Only real issue for us is losing Sadio & Mo for the AFCON but I'm trusting in the powers that be to have it covered. Even if you look at the Everton game in the league, we had Origi & Shaqiri playing in the front 3 and they linked up fantastically. We've now got Minamino in too, so we should soon find out if he's adequate cover for the front 3
Domestically, City are the only team anywhere near us at the minute & they're still a fair bit behind. They have a big rebuilding job on their hands too. Silva will be leaving in June and Aguero will be 32 by the time the next season starts. They still haven't replaced Kompany & Fernandinho is well into his 30s, with Rodri seemingly a fair way off the expected level.
Their full backs are nowhere good enough. That Mendy is a pudding and Kyle Walker is regressing at quite the pace (another one who'll be into his 30s by the time next season starts)
Also worth pointing out that Guardiola has never "built" a team wherever he's been. He walked into a Barcelona side which already had a spine of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol, Valdes & Busquets. Same with Bayern, he walked into a side which had just won the league, domestic cup & European Cup. So I'm very sceptical towards his ability to build any kind of dynasty at City. To be fair, I can't even see him staying at City any longer than another two years.
I think we've got a real opportunity to get a few major honours under our belts during the next 4 or 5 years. Our front 3 are all 27, as is Allison. Van Dijk 28, Robbo 25, Trent 21, Gomez 22. Keita, Fabinho & Ox all yet to turn 27. Basically all of our real key players still have at least 4-5 years left at peak level.
Put it this way, if I was a bluenose, I'd seriously consider investing in a one-way ticket to some far away corner of the earth
« Last Edit: Jan 18, 2020 08:10:13 pm by TameImpala »
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