What was strikingly obvious in last night's game against Everton is that City lack a player who can unpick a defence, like Ali Bernabia once did. Stephen Ireland is that man in the squad, but if he is unfit or misfiring as has been the case in a frustrating season for him, then there aren't many creative options left to choose from.
Pretending for one moment that all the rumours we hear are true, which of course they aren't, City would appear to be in the market for creative flair players: Martinez, Cavani, Krasnic, and new Zidane - Sofiane Feghouli. I have to say, I know nothing about him that I haven't just read on wikipedia, but the introductory passage on there describes him as a player who "is more noted for creating goals than scoring them". From what they describe, he sounds like a poorly advised player, who has let a bright reputation persuade him to let his contract run out this summer. At twenty, he fits in with the "transfer acquisition strategy" (Cook 2009) of sourcing the world's best young talent.
City rely too much on the pace of the likes of Bellamy for attacking on the break. When a team sits deep and soaks us up, like Everton last night, City cry out for a creative influence in the centre of midfield. If Ireland cannot slot into the deeper position as part of a central two, then Mancini will probably look to bolster the squad with a player who is more rounded - like Gago for instance.
The player who would be perfect for that role, of course, is Michael Johnson - but it will take some time for him to recover his full level of ability after so long on the treatment table.
Acquiring a creative central midfielder in the summer, who can play alongside a Barry, De Jong or Vieira, would give City an extra dimension, and could be enough to transform a few of the points dropped this season.
a great read and a lot of truth in it.
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