Why Man City should have retained Eliaquim Mangala
Manchester City possibly have the best team in the Premier League, thanks to their squad depth.
Take out Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez is ready to replace the injured German. Sergio Aguero injured? No problem, Gabriel Jesus can do a great job in place of the Argentine.
The team is littered with stars that provide quality competition and cover to the starters. City were busy in the summer landing two top players too.
Joao Cancelo and Rodri joined the Premier League champions, and they seem set for some great seasons at the club.
However, there was one surprising release from the club when it comes to the defence. Vincent Kompany returned to Belgium, however, Eliaquim Mangala being allowed to leave on a free was a mistake from the Cityzens.
Cover for the defence needed
City have one of the best managers in the world in Pep Guardiola, and he has often found ingenious solutions to some problems his teams face.
However, the lack of recognised senior centre-backs could be a huge problem later on in the campaign.
John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte are the only senior centre-backs in the team currently.
Kyle Walker can play in that position, but the Englishman is one of the best right-backs in the world.
Another player who could slot into that role is Fernandinho, but the Brazilian will feature in the midfield should anything happen to new signing Rodri.
Mangala has had a tough time when it comes to injuries and letting him join Valencia on a free, without signing a replacement, is a big gamble taken by Pep.
The French midfielder might not have been the best defender on City’s books, but they could have used him in some of the cup games.
Injuries are another factor that can come into play this season. City
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Pep has played himself out of some precarious positions during his time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and it will be interesting to see how he deals with the lack of centre-backs this season.
Verdict
Mangala could have been kept for another season, especially with Kompany deciding to leave the Cityzens in the summer.
The Frenchman has put in some quality performances over the years, and hopefully, the lack of centre-backs doesn’t harm City this season.