Guardiola, defense is his obsession

Last summer was the first with Guardiola at City in which they did not sign any central. The output of an icon like Kompany It did not mean the arrival of a new footballer, at least not from another club: it was decided promote the young Eric García with the aim of winning minutes in the elite.

The defending, always the defense, has been the main focus of the million dollar arrivals at Manchester City. Almost a year after that bet, Eric García is already a starter –Remains to know his future, since he ends his contract next season– as a couple of Aymeric Laporte and, according to the matches played since the break by the coronavirus, everything points to who will be the ones receive Real Madrid in the Champions.

A data to consider for whites: in the last seven games At home, Manchester City have only received a goal. However, the only center-back who has his future assured with the English is the 26-year-old Frenchman. Laporte, who overcame a serious injury in the first half of the season, has played 15 Premier League matches this campaign. In 11 of them has not received no goal. In fact, in two and a half years it adds up to a total of 59 games in the English league, of which he has won 50, the fastest to reach that figure, beating Drogba, who took 60 games.

It is no surprise that Manchester City have already closed the transfer of Nathan Aké, in the absence of official confirmation, after having paid 45 million to Bournemouth, recently descended, because so much Otamendi as Stones They are not indisputable for Guardiola in a gala eleven. Although the Argentine has been a starter in many stages of the last four years, especially in the season 2017/18 and after Laporte's injury, he could leave the club. But the one who has more ballots to leave Etihad it's Stones.

The lateral have also been a reinforcement focus since the arrival of Guardiola. Inheritance received with Zabaleta, Kolarov or Clichy it barely lasted a year. For the second, the transformation was complete: 57 million per Mendy, 52 million for Walker or 30 million for Danilo, plus another 65 for Cancel and 12 by Angeliño two years later. A totally renewed line to look for the change of styleor and strengthen the security.

In goal, yes, there has been insurance for three years. Ederson came for 40 million from Benfica to replace Claudio Bravo (18 million), who did not settle in his first season in England, and It has been a complete success.