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It is possible that there will not be another major addition to the this winter after Gabriel Jesus’ arrival, but a transfer might not be necessary anyway. With a mostly outstanding performance against Tottenham Hotspur, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City proved that the current squad can still make their mark this season.
Guardiola’s side has gone from impotent to irrefutable in only a matter of days with crucial performances from the roster’s amalgamation of youth and age. Leroy Sané and Yaya Touré have embodied unity of veterans and young stars.
Players like Kelechi Iheanacho and Celtic FC loanee Patrick Roberts appear eager to spend their future at the Etihad, which emphasizes the Blues’ wide range of youthful options in upcoming years.
Shaky performances on defense have led many to believe that the City would pick up at least one defensive reinforcement in January but, like Jurgen Klopp’s difficulties at Liverpool, the market is not providing access to the sensible options that these teams would like.
With seven players’ contracts set to end soon, Pep and his administrators could revitalize City in much the same way that Barcelona was reconstructed in 2008-09. Although it would signal a departure of some who helped push the Blues to their current stature, it could help to develop City’s style into a modern masterpiece.
Performances like we saw on Saturday’s game against Tottenham prove the value of having more seasoned players at the Etihad to mesh with the new, young talent.
The club currently risks losing defender Tosin Adarabioyo, and Aleix García has been neglected as Guardiola tinkers with midfield options. Pep has said that the reserve league is not good enough to prepare young players for the Premier League, which explains why he has sent out Pablo Maffeo and Angelino on loan for the remainder of the season.
Whatever the plan might be for each of these individuals, the plethora of young talent in the City Acadamy is bound to provide at least a few options for the first team’s most specific needs.
For the remainder of this season, it’s not hard to imagine that the blend of youth and experience employed at the Etihad could produce consistent passion and hustle against any opponent.