Why Houssem Aouar would be a great signing for Manchester City
According to The Sun, Manchester City are most likely to be Houssem Aouar’s next club. Lyon’s sporting director Juninho also said that Pep Guardiola liked the player. Reports earlier this season also suggested that the player was also keen on a move to the blue half of Manchester.
Profile
Houssem Aouar joined Lyon’s academy at the age of 11 and spent another 11 years representing the club at various age groups. He rose through the youth ranks of the club to make his debut in 2017 against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of round-of-32 of the Europa League. A week later, he scored his debut goal for Lyon against the same side in the 2nd leg.
The following season, he was given the iconic No.8 jersey, previously worn by club legend Juninho. Since then, he has been a first-team regular. He has made over 140 appearances so far for Lyon and has scored 26 goals in the process (source – Transfermarkt)
Aouar has played 14 games for the France U-21 side and was handed his senior debut in October against Ukraine in a friendly game.
Aouar would be a great addition to Manchester City
Man City have one of the finest midfield contingents in Europe. Boasting of the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden, they can dismantle any opposition on any day. However, they lack a ball carrier or a player who can hold the ball under pressure. Rodri does a decent job but his mobility is an issue.
Houssem Aouar would be the perfect man for the job. His neat dribbling, ability to get out of pressure situations with the ball and providing balls into the final third, all while maintaining a good level of defensive stance are just some of the things one can admire about him.
The 22-year-old is one of the best emerging midfielders in Europe and proved the same with his performances for Lyon last season.
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His versatility would no doubt appeal to Guardiola as he can play in a multitude of midfield positions such as central, attacking and defensive midfield. Under Pep Guardiola, Aouar can develop the finer aspects of his game and develop into one of the best midfielders in Europe.
