In what promised to be a busy end to the week - with City apparently feverishly trying to conclude business before the World Cup whisked its targets away - there was only really a steady stream of activity.
Firstly, Vieira put an end to MLS speculation by commiting to the blue shirt for the next campaign. The hope is, that after a summer to recover his fitness, he will have completely rejuvenated legs and be the player capable of bossing the midfield. When playing the 4-2-3-1 formation, that has been much used by Mancini, it needs the two deep-lying midfielders to move the ball on to the attacking quartet quickly and that is something that only Vieira can really offer at the moment. However, with rumours of Yaya Toure's arrival, Vieira's could be even more of a bit-part role next season. Although, with the sheer amount of games next season - it seems all bodies are welcome.
Vieira will also be a valuable asset around the training ground, with players such as Abdisalam Ibrahim vocal in their admiration for his help.
The first fruits of our partnership with Swindon Town come in the form of Alex Henshall - a 16 year-old left-sided midfielder thought to be one the best English players in his age group. This follows the stated ambition to concentrate a good deal of our scouting forces on youth talent - whilst Henshall is English, you would think our academy will soon resemble the multi-national academies of Arsenal and Chelsea. Although I hope the signing of Henshall points towards an aim to develop a good mix of local and international talent.
Two deals that were reported in the Daily Mail to be near completion were those of James Milner in a £28m deal and Yaya Toure for something around the same mark. This signals the beginnings of what is thought to be a midfield overhaul, as Mancini wants to create a better link between defence and attack. Both would fit that bill handsomely.
In Premiership news, an early contender for World Cup impulse buy is Tshabalala after he crowned an iconic day for African football with a scorching end to a flowing move. Transfers are made on these tournaments, but City probably aren't in the position to take these gambles anymore.
If you are yearning for more domestic football, then the crazy world of Italian football is still offering up drama. It is the second leg of the Serie B play-off final tomorrow, but one man who won't be taking part is former City player Rolando Bianchi. The man described in the build-up to the game by his manager as the King of this season, Bianchi was caught on camera mouthing a blaspehmous swear word - which, to the delight of keen Brescia eyes, is a banning offence in Italy. After a goal-less home leg, Torino and their star player may be facing another season in Serie B.
Gareth Barry continues his speedy recovery with a likely bench spot for tonight's game against the US. Thought integral to the dynamics of England, he may well see some game time if things aren't going to plan.
Talk about England now!!! Time and a place lad
ReplyDeleteYeah, but Rob, this is a Man City blog... I only really intend to do the World Cup with a City angle. I will probably do the odd England thing, but the priority is City (on here anyway!)
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