Why Marco Verratti would be the perfect man to fill the void left by Yaya Toure

The Premier League campaign is just around the corner and there’s barely a week left for the transfer window to close. As per a report from Manchester Evening News, Manchester City have been linked with a move for PSG midfielder Marco Verratti. Pep Guardiola must make a late move for the Italian after the club missed out on signing Jorginho, who eventually joined Sarri at Chelsea.

The Cityzens saw club icon Yaya Toure leave the team in controversial fashion. As a result, City must bring in a replacement for the Ivorian international and Verratti should be the man to take his place.

The Italian midfielder has been playing at the highest level for a while now and a move to City would see him taking his career to the next level. He is a crucial member to the Parisiens and has been one of their most consistent players over the years.

Verratti is generally deployed as a central midfielder, but he is also comfortable slotting into a deep-lying role in the middle of the park. The Italian is a tireless worker on and off the ball. Over the years, it’s been clear that Pep values a player’s contribution off the ball. Verratti would, therefore, flourish under the Spaniard.

The PSG midfielder’s ability on the ball is unrivalled. He is technically brilliant and possesses a wide range of passing on the ball. One of Verratti’s most prominent qualities is his ability to pick passes in the tightest of situations. He averaged a pass success rate of 91.2% in the Ligue 1 last season.

The 25-year-old could slot straight into a No.8 role alongside either Fernandinho or Gundogan. The former’s defensive work rate and prowess would provide Verratti with the license to surge up front and support the forwards in attack. With Gundogan, meanwhile, City would have two pass masters partnered up in the middle of the park. Both the players are capable of picking the locks with their passing range and ability.

The Italian is capable playing as the lone defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3 which would allow him to pull the strings and run the show in the midfield. Verratti can also prosper in a 4-2-3-1, where he could be partnered with another holding midfielder, thus offering extra support.

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Pep Guardiola must conclude his transfer business with one final signing, which should be Marco Verratti. The player would be a success at Etihad Stadium, given that he’s been playing at the highest level from a young age and possesses top-flight experience. His arrival would also see the club boost their depth in the holding midfielder department for a long time.