Tochukwu Chukwu
Manchester City look best positioned to secure the signing of Lionel Messi, but how would the Argentinian genius fit in at the club?
Reuniting with Pep Guardiola and close friend Sergio Aguero is a compelling proposition for the 33-year-old, and he could add to his legend in England.
We at UGAMATV have looked at some of the other dynamics at play in this potentially momentous transfer.
Old friends
The question of his role in the team might be best put to Guardiola, who having first managed Messi when he was 24 could now have him under his wing again a decade later.
The possible combination on and off the pitch with Aguero is an exciting one, and Messi will also have international teammate Nicolas Otamendi to help him settle, too.
Where might Pep play him?
Messi‘s most glorious years were spent at Barcelona under Guardiola, and the latter could once again lean on the tactical systems that got the best out of the little maestro during that era.
The most likely formation could be Agueroas a central striker, with Messi off the right and Raheem Sterling coming in from the other wing.
That could be a trident to rival Barcelona‘s famous MSN (Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar) trident.
Guardiola could also play Messi as a false nine, a position made famous by the 6-2 win over Real Madrid in 2009’s El Clasico.
Messi could then have the pace of Sterling and new City signing Ferran Torres alongside him, something he sorely lacked at the Camp Nou in recent seasons.
De Bruyne in the engine room
Just saying it is enough to make the mouth water: Messi and Kevin De Bruyne, in the same team.
The Belgian has produced his best football of his life at City over the past three seasons, and how Messi would love to have someone of his quality giving him a supply line.
Aside from De Bruyne, the City midfield is stocked with talent. Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva rove forward into attacking positions, with the likes of Rodriand Ilkay Gundogan anchoring behind.
Lack of a Jordi Alba-like figure
Messi found a willing ally down the left flank in Jordi Alba when Neymar left the Camp Nou.
But City don’t have such an outlet, and indeed it is one of their weaker positions alongside centre-back.
Adapting to the Premier League
When Gonzalo Higuain was asked what Messi could expect in the Premier League, he was clear.
“England? Over there, defenders kick you all day and nothing gets given by referees,” he said.
“They’re built like wardrobes and they hit you.
“I don’t know how it could impact Leo.”
But the numbers don’t necessarily agree with Higuain, given Messi has scored more goals against English sides – 26 in 34 games – than some footballers manage in a career playing in England.
It would be more about getting used to the rain than the football.
Chidiogo asuke
