Savio is on the brink of completing his move to Manchester City, marking a significant addition to Pep Guardiola’s evolving squad.
Pep Guardiola is always one step ahead in the world of football. From pioneering the use of ball-playing goalkeepers to innovating with inverted full-backs, he continually redefines the game. Last season, his major tactical shift was embracing chaos over control.
The arrival of Jeremy Doku on the left wing, often replacing Jack Grealish, introduced a high-quality dribbler to the team, offering a more direct option compared to the possession-focused Grealish. Now, with the imminent arrival of winger Savio from sister club Troyes, via a loan spell at Girona, Guardiola’s strategy becomes even clearer.
The 20-year-old Savio was the standout star for Girona last season, drawing comparisons to Real Madrid’s superstar and Ballon d’Or contender Vinicius Jr. His performances were instrumental in helping Girona qualify for the Champions League, significantly boosting his reputation.
Savio’s strengths mirror those of Doku; he is a prolific dribbler and excels in one-on-one situations, often reaching the byline to provide opportunities for strikers like Erling Haaland. Last season, Savio attempted 194 dribbles, the most in the league, surpassing even Nico Williams, who showcased his skills with Spain’s European Championship-winning squad. Savio also led in successful dribbles past opponents, highlighting his incredible ability to outmaneuver defenders.
Having made his breakthrough in Brazil, where he became the youngest player to score in the Copa Libertadores for Atletico Mineiro, Savio faced challenges in Europe with Troyes and PSV. However, his move to Girona saw him flourish, establishing himself among the continent’s top wide players and increasing his market value to a reported £40 million.
Reflecting on his progress, Savio said in an interview with Flashscore, “I’ve managed to improve a lot physically and tactically, and with the sequence of games, I’ve gained confidence to take more chances with the ball at my feet, so I can try to create more opportunities for my team. Fortunately, I’ve been able to achieve a lot of minutes with great individual numbers. This will also increase my responsibility and expectations for the future, but I will continue to work hard and always strive to improve.”
At City, Savio will face competition from a resurgent Grealish and the similarly skilled Doku. City might consider sending him out on loan after assessing him in pre-season. Despite his strengths in dribbling, crossing, pace, and trickery, he still needs to improve his defensive intelligence and adapt to a more physical league.
These minor challenges can be overcome with elite coaching and time. The focus should be on his potential and what he can bring to the team. “Since the arrival of Vinicius, I haven’t seen a one-on-one talent as impressive,” said his Girona boss Michel. This statement highlights Savio’s potential and hints at Guardiola’s future plans as he aims for a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
With a stacked squad, Guardiola will have a player capable of causing havoc for opposition defenses. If Savio is integrated into the first team next season, it will be another instance of Guardiola choosing chaos over control, adding an exciting new dimension to Manchester City’s attack.
