Why Ben Chilwell could solve Manchester City’s problems at the back
According to One Football (h/t Football.London), Manchester City have now renewed their interests in Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell.
The Foxes defender was linked with manager Pep Guardiola’s City ahead of this year’s campaign. However, Guardiola chose to stick with his left-backs Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The young full-back has been impressive for the Foxes, featuring in 23 of their 29 league games this season. To add to it, he has chipped in for his side with two goals and three assists, making him one of the first names in Brendan Rodgers’ team sheet.
He has been a vital part of the rock-solid Leicester defence that has just conceded 28 goals. Having contributed to his side both in defence and attack, the 23-year-old Chilwell has now once again made his way into City’s radar, as they look to sort out their issues in defence.
For City boss Guardiola, the main concern is left-back Mendy’s fitness. The Frenchman has had a history with injuries since moving from French outfit Monaco in the summer of 2017.
He has spent his major share of time at the Etihad on the sidelines than on the pitch. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Zinchenko underwent a knee surgery midway into the season that saw him miss a few matches. The young full-back’s performances after the injury have not been entirely satisfactory, which has seen Mendy taking on the left-back role.
Apart from these two, City do not have any more players in that role and Guardiola would be well aware that a dearth of an established and consistent full-back will foil their chances of winning the title next year.
One of the main reasons for City falling down the points table this time has been because of their weak defence. Moreover, constant changes at the back affected the team’s rhythm, which saw the defending champions fare much below leaders Liverpool.
With City’s defensive woes clearly out in the open, it is no big surprise that Guardiola and co. have once again decided to go in pursuit of Chilwell.
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Verdict
Manchester City desperately need a proven left-back if they wish to win the title next season and who better than an in-form Chilwell. Also, his arrival would offer Guardiola plenty of options in defence, with that being one of his primary problems this season.
