Manchester City’s win against West Ham might have been bittersweet for Lucas Paquetá. While it is pretty obvious that he’s desperate to join the Citizens, his potential future there raises a worrying trend for City: the stockpiling of undeniably talented players, often from mid-table teams, who then find themselves warming the bench at the Etihad.
There’s no denying City possess a talent-spotting superpower. John Stones, Nathan Aké, Jack Grealish, and the recent acquisition of Matheus Nunes – all represent high-calibre players previously outside the Premier League‘s elite. But here’s the rub: their individual brilliance hasn’t always translated into consistent playing time at City.
Is Pep Guardiola a magician who can turn any talent into gold, or is City’s strategy of acquiring these “mid-table gems” creating a gilded cage for some? The vast wealth allows them to hoover up talent like a high-powered vacuum cleaner, but what happens when the cupboard overflows with potential that struggles to see the pitch?
While squad depth is crucial for any title contender, City risk stifling the very talent they acquire. Imagine Paquetá, a player who thrived at West Ham, relegated to the sidelines at City. The allure of a big club and a hefty paycheck might be tempting, but is it worth sacrificing regular playing time and potentially hindering your development?
City’s strategy may backfire. While they boast an enviable collection of talent, their ability to utilise it effectively becomes a pressing question. Stockpiling may seem like a sign of strength, but if it comes at the cost of individual potential, it could be a recipe for a tarnished bench, rather than a golden squad.
This continual influx of top rate players,not only by City but others as well,has now made the Premiership a 5 or 6 horse race and is now not as competitive as it used to be.Money has killed the game for me,when you can buy the best in the world,the rest are fighting for mid table positions. Unless of course FFP plays its part as it should do.
There’s something wrong here, a squad of 22 is too big for City but apparently nowhere near enough for WHU. Anyway that was one of the biggest criticisms of Moyes.
It’s a fair point. With City, though, there was always the additional carrot of Guardiola being such a good coach you would improve by being there and training there. However, we have now seen how that went with Kalvin Phillips…
It’s not just fans of club who should “be careful what you wish for”.
“While they boast an enviable collection of talent, their ability to utilise it effectively becomes a pressing question.”
In the last two years: FA Cup, Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League and FA Cup Final appearance on Saturday.
I may be wrong, but that seems an effective utilisation of talent to me.
“The allure of a big club and a hefty paycheck might be tempting, but is it worth sacrificing regular playing time and potentially hindering your development?”
Does winning Silverware, compensate for not having to play 50+ games a season, like he was asked to by Moyes?