da aviator aposta： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
da gbg bet： After the departure of Vincent Kompany in the summer, and the subsequent injury to Aymeric Laporte early in the Premier League campaign, Manchester City’s decision not to sign a new centre-back has come back to haunt them already.
Just eight games into the season, and the Citizens have already lost twice – both of them in shock fashion against newly-promoted Norwich and a struggling Wolves. The main concern? Their defensive fragility. Pep Guardiola’s men conceded a combined five goals across the two matches, and it was in no small part down to the City boss’ decision to play Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho as a centre-back partnership.
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Reports in recent weeks have claimed the club are eyeing up defensive reinforcements, with Benfica’s Ruben Dias considered to be a target. But surely City would be wise to learn from their own mistakes. Jadon Sancho left the Etihad for Borussia Dortmund in search of more regular first-team opportunities, whilst Phil Foden may find himself in a similar position sooner rather than later.
And with that in mind, Guardiola simply has to give 17-year-old starlet Taylor Harwood-Bellis a chance to shine at centre-back. His record and performances at academy level are exemplary, and as well as saving the club a bucket load of money in the transfer window, they would be showing their young players that there really is clear route into the first-team.
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The 6 foot 2 teenager has captained England U17s at the European Championships, and was part of the City back-line that reached the FA Youth Cup final last season. The pedigree is there for all to see, but Guardiola seems oblivious to it all.
The City boss has made a big song and dance about how brilliant Foden is, and while that’s all well and good, he hasn’t really delivered on his words. The 18-year-old has barely featured this season, making just four appearances, and finds several big-money signings standing in his way.
Harwood-Bellis on the other hand, has no such competition. What must he be thinking when he sees his manager continue to place his trust in a blundering Nicolas Otamendi, or attempting to convert a 34-year-old midfielder into a centre-back? If he doesn’t get an opportunity to play in the midst of City’s defensive crisis, just when will he be given a genuine chance?
The club have already been burned by seeing Sancho go. Now, they simply cannot afford for the same to happen with Harwood-Bellis.