Why Sergi Roberto will be a good addition at Manchester City
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo (h/t Express), Manchester City are interested in versatile Barcelona star Sergi Roberto.
A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Roberto has been with the Catalans since 2006 and has grown into a first-team regular over the past decade.
The 28-year-old has so far made 273 appearances for the Catalan side and has nine goals and 34 assists to his name. Roberto has won two Champions League trophies and six La Liga titles with the Catalans.
Predominantly a central midfielder, Roberto’s versatility has seen him play in a variety of roles for the Catalan side. His adaptability to play anywhere across the pitch has made him an integral part of the Barcelona squad all these years.
This year itself, Roberto has played 22 times for the La Liga champions in the league, of which, 12 times he featured as a right-back, eight times as a midfielder and once as a centre-back.
Roberto can offer Manchester City versatility in the ranks
Guardiola’s Manchester City have fallen behind leaders Liverpool, who have opened up a near unassailable 25-point lead over the defending champions. Hence, the manager needs to look for new options in order to bolster his squad next season and Roberto fits the bill.
Roberto and Guardiola know each other well, with the latter having spent his early years as a successful coach with the Catalan side. Roberto, in fact, made his Barcelona first-team debut under Guardiola back in 2010.
Meanwhile, Roberto who can function both as a midfielder and a full-back would be a valuable asset for a side like City.
The most experienced of the Cityzens’ midfield contingent, Fernandinho, turned 35 last month and is nearing the end of his career. In addition, David Silva will be leaving once his contract at the end of the season. Hence, they would stand to benefit by signing Roberto, who would add experience and quality to the midfield department.
Also, City just have two right-backs in their ranks – Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo. Walker remains the side’s first-choice right-back but newcomer Cancelo has not yet won over boss Guardiola’s confidence.
The Portuguese right-back has made just 11 league appearances this term and does not seem to be part of his plans at the moment. Considering all this, a move for utility man Roberto would be a step in the right direction for City.
Read more:
- Why Manchester City should pounce on the chance to sign Lucas Hernandez
- Why Leon Bailey would be a good addition at Manchester City
- Opinion: Man City keeping hold of veteran star Sergio Aguero is an absolute no-brainer
Verdict
Manchester City do not have enough depth at right-back and Cancelo’s failure to kick on has only added to their problems. And, Roberto’s inclusion would solve that issue. Moreover, he will give Walker a run for his money if he arrives, which, in turn, would offer Guardiola plenty of options in that position next season.
In addition, Roberto’s versatility would make him a valuable asset for City. Hence, they should not think twice but sign him soon, as his experience would come handy in City’s pursuit of climbing to the top.
