City’s Left-Back Mystery: Fringe Player or Guardiola’s Master Plan?
Sergio Gomez
Forget Ederson, De Bruyne, or Silva – Manchester City’s first summer exit might surprise you! It’s not a superstar, but a player who’s warmed the bench more than the Etihad turf: Sergio Gomez.
Remember that £14 million wonderkid City bought from Anderlecht? Yeah, the one with a whopping two Premier League starts (both after the title was secured, wink wink). He averages a measly 21 minutes per league appearance – that’s less than most half-time team talks!
Guardiola clearly isn’t convinced. Remember that Southampton League Cup shocker? Fans cheered when Gomez got subbed at halftime! Ouch. Even teammate Kalvin Phillips, with way fewer appearances, saw more action last season.
Here’s the twist: City signed Gvardiol last year, who’s rocketed to the top of the left-back pecking order. Ake’s a solid option too. Heck, even Silva and random defenders like Akanji and Lewis have gotten the nod over Gomez!
So, a Gomez goodbye seems like a no-brainer. Real Sociedad is reportedly circling, with whispers of a loan or permanent deal.
Here’s the real question: Does City even need a specialist left-back anymore? Guardiola and Begiristain haven’t exactly nailed it in this position. Mendy was close, but injuries and legal troubles threw a wrench in the plan.
Ake and Gvardiol have City covered for now, but Gomez’s departure could reignite the “left-back crisis” talk. Are converted full-backs like Zinchenko and makeshift options the way forward, or is it time for a different profile altogether?
Guardiola might not be losing sleep over Gomez, but his potential exit could be a wake-up call. Is left-back still City’s Achilles’ heel, or have they found a quirky solution? Only time (and Pep’s tactics board) will tell.
