'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester City won the Premier League last season after a breathtaking duel with Liverpool. However, the close run to the title suggests Pep Guardiola needs to make some squad improvements in order to fend off the challenges in the upcoming season.
One of the areas that needed an upgrade was the defense, which was further depleted by the departure of Vincent Kompany. City's long term skipper left the club on a free transfer at the end of the season, leaving behind a void crying to be filled.
City do have Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones in their ranks, but neither seems capable enough to replace the imposing Belgian. That is why their Spanish manager could be tempted to scan his options in the market.
Not all defenders can suit the mold of the ideal Pep Guardiola centre-back, but here we have shortlisted three men who do fit the bill:
#3 Nathan Ake (Netherlands, AFC Bournemouth)
When Nathan Ake was linked to a move to Manchester City, it raised a lot of eyebrows. But despite the popular opinion indicating otherwise, the Dutchman could actually be perfect for Guardiola’s tactics.
Ake is a dynamic centre-back who is good with the ball at his feet and stellar at the back. Another talent that Chelsea let slip away, the 24 year-old has been brilliant for Bournemouth even since he joined them from the Blues in 2016 - initially on loan, before a permanent deal in 2017.
The Dutchman was a constant presence at the back for Bournemouth last season, playing almost every minute in the Premier League. He was extremely disciplined in defense, picking up just 3 yellow cards, even though he had to deal with some of the most potent attacking forces in the world.
Ake still managed to rack up a pass success rate of 86% and won 2.3 aerial duels per game. The Dutchman is also a goal threat from set pieces and has scored 10 goals from 117 appearances in the Premier League.
Ake has tremendous composure on the ball and has been a leader at the back for his club, enabling them to register 10 clean sheets last season. His composure, abilities on the ball and experience in the Premier League make him an enticing prospect for Guardiola to target.
Ake would also be comfortable under Guardiola’s ball-controlling style of play. His versatility – Ake has the ability to play left back as well - and his age will also appeal to the Spaniard.
#2 Ibrahima Konate (France, RB Leipzig)
The youngster was scintillating for RB Leipzig last season, and has caught the eye with his ability to cope with Bundesliga side’s high intensity attacking system. Ibrahima Konate was a part of the defense that let in just 29 goals all season – the least in the league.
The 20-year-old has all the abilities to thrive in Guardiola’s system, and Manchester City should attempt to lure him to Etihad this summer.
The Frenchman is a typical modern defender, proficient in both attack and defense. Konate’s 6’3” frame helps him dominate in the air, and he is also blessed with lightening speed which helps him deal with the opposition counter-attacks.
Last season opposition strikers rarely got the better of him, as he successfully kept some big names at bay.
Konate loves forward runs and is very capable with the ball at his feet. He loves dribbling too, with a dribble success rate of around 85% last season. Konate also draws fouls in the opposition half due to his nifty footwork, and can be an asset going forward.
Perhaps the only area of improvement is his passing, but at just 20 years of age the Frenchman has time on his side. Besides, Guardiola likes his recruits raw, and prefers to nurture them into world class talents himself.
Konate has the potential to become one of the best in the world and that should convince Guardiola to secure his signature.
#1 Ruben Dias (Portugal, Benfica)
Fast, strong and comfortable on the ball, Ruben Dias is another young Benfica defender who has attracted the attention of the world. The Portuguese is already tipped to be the next Benfica captain thanks to his composure on the field and his leadership qualities.
Those are good reasons for Manchester City to seriously consider signing him this summer.
Dias has a commanding presence at the back, and is very vocal on the field. He has drawn comparisons with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, and it is not hard to see why.
Dias is a shrewd tackler and is inch-perfect in his positioning, which means that very few can get past him on the field. Despite a lean frame, he is extremely strong on the ball and can go shoulder to shoulder with any attacker.
Dias is still just 22 years old, which means his age will appeal to Guardiola as well. That said, the Portuguese is much more than your average centre-back.
Dias is very comfortable playing out from the back, a characteristic that would certainly excite Guardiola. He can build attacks from the back, while also dishing out perfect long balls to bring the wide men into play.
Dias is the next generation superstar coming out of Portugal and has all the qualities to become a leader for Guardiola in the heart of the City defense.
