Why Signing Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand Would Be An Intelligent Move From Manchester City
Manchester City’s search for a new left-back continues to throw up new names each passing day and the latest player to be linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, is Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand.
The Daily Mail reports that the Citizens could be making a move for the England international in the January transfer window, after having seen summer signing and first-choice left-back Benjamin Mendy being possibly ruled for the rest of the season, after he picked up a knee injury in just his fifth appearance for the club.
Manager Pep Guardiola has used Fabian Delph as a makeshift left-back since the Frenchman’s injury and has hinted that he has other options that can fill in that position, claiming that Danilo, midfield mainstay Fernandinho and the young Oleksandr Zinchenko can also play in that position.
However, it doesn’t seem like that would stop them from going out for a specialist left-sided full-back come the winter window. Bertrand seems to be a top name on the list for the club. The 28-year old was linked with a move to the Mancunian outfit back in the summer as well, but a move did not materialise.
Bertrand joined the Saints back in February 2015 from reigning Premier League champions Chelsea, in search of regular first-team football and has grown into one of the most consistent performers for the south coast club over the years. Arguably one of the most underrated left-backs in the Premier League, the former Chelsea man has become a key member of the Saints’ setup as well as the England national team setup too.
In the 2017/18 season, the 28-year old finished with 3 goals and 5 assists from 34 appearances across all competitions, helping the Saints to an 8th placed finish in the Premier League and a spot in the final of the EFL Cup. He has started off fairly strongly this campaign as well, although he has failed to register a goal or assist so far in his eight Premier League appearances.
With his lung-bursting energy and his ball playing abilities, Bertrand will be the ideal fit for Manchester City’s requirements. The 27-year old English international is always on the prowl to get forward and possesses a mean left foot with which he can bombard crosses into the box. He is also not shy of having a go at the goal from distance. He has the pace to track back effectively if he gets caught in advanced positions and has demonstrated strong defensive nous as well.
Bertrand’s ability with the ball at his feet is something that will definitely have caught the eyes of Guardiola and the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager had also made no secret of the fact that he would like to build his team around a core of English players. Bertrand’s homegrown status is something that is sure to appeal.
A UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea, having made his debut in the final against Bayern Munich, the 17-time capped England international has also won the UEFA Europa League during his time with the Blues and an FA Cup as well. With his experience and ability to churn out strong performances on a consistent basis, he could turn out to be an excellent purchase for the Sky Blues, if they decide to act on their interest in January.