Manchester City brought 27 players to America, but there was an empty position

Gilabola.com – Manchester City has set a squad containing 27 players for a trip to the United States ahead of the Club World Cup, and from that list, it appears that Pep Guardiola has shown his plans for next season.

In the squad, there are new names such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Marcus Bettinelli, who all joined after completing their transfer process in the past week.

Although the list of players looks solid and contains many names that have an important role in modern soccer games, one striking thing is the position of right -back that does not have a natural substitute.

Last season, Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes shared their assignments in that position. Both players do have their advantages, but both of them have not yet shown that they can be a long-term solution in the right back line.

Kyle Walker did not enter into the squad to America to strengthen the allegation that his future in Etihad was over. After AC Milan decided not to activate the permanent purchase option, Walker was now seen outside the club’s plan. City did not seem to intend to bring him back into this season’s scheme.

The absence of Walker, coupled with the not carrying Jack Grealizing in the group, showed that Guardiola had carried out a serious filter. Grealizing imported at a price of 100 million pounds has now been ranked and is open to move clubs in the near future.

Guardiola did not bring young players

In midfield, James Mcatee is also one of the names that is likely to leave Etihad. Last season, the young player only appeared as a starter in three Premier League matches.

Now, he chose to play with the U-21 British national team at the European Championship, instead of joining America with the main squad of City. Interest from a number of clubs made his departure this summer just waiting for time.

Guardiola’s decision not to meet the maximum quota of the squad when touring to America is also interesting to note. Some young academy players were deliberately abandoned at home to undergo their own preseason.

Therefore, the initial plan to bring the U-21 team coach, Ben Wilkinson, and his assistant, Craig Mudd, was finally changed. Both of them are now remaining in Manchester to prepare a young team to face a new season.

With the departure of several senior names and the absence of additions in a certain position, City’s homework has not been completed. But on the other hand, the presence of players like Ederson, Ruben Dias, Rodri, Phil Foden, to Erling Haaland, still makes this squad one of the strongest in the world of football.