The January Window: What Is Needed at Manchester City?

Peter Wright by Analyst Written on December 04, 2008
Mark_hughes_feature

As a City supporter, I have been sitting and debating in my mind who the Blues should go after in the transfer market. 

While I read the news and rumors, I read numerous stories of the world's elite coming to Eastlands.  While I do not doubt that City can tempt a few of them to come to Manchester, I do have my doubts as to who will come. 

I also worry about the types of players that would come.

Since the takeover of Man City by the ADUG, the Blues have been linked with everyone but Pele it seems. However, with the Blues in 15th, do we really think the world's elite are going to come? 

If they do, I believe it would be only for the money—exactly the wrong type of player City needs. 

While I have been watching City, I have decided that even though City are 15th, Mark Hughes is the right man for the job. He has successfully guided City through to the round of 32 in UEFA Cup. He has not had the chance to really build the squad into his own mold. 

Also, he has little depth at crucial positions. Yes, the signings of Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips as well as the form of Stephen Ireland have drastically improved City's attack, but City lack the quality in the back four and lack consistency in general play.

So, how does City solve their problems? The answer lies with Mark Hughes and the ADUG. The club have endless wealth and are ready to use it. However, the way to use it is the subject of much debate among many in the football world. 

Most agree that City need help in defense. The form of Richard Dunne and Micah Richards has been the subject of scrutiny. I believe that form has been impacted though by the increased focus on attack and the lack of support from outside defenders.  

This leads us to the first transfer objective, outside defender. Javier Garrido has improved dramatically over the course of the season, Pablo Zabaleta has been reasonable of late.

However, they still lack the quality needed to compete consistently with the Premier League's elite.

Next problem for City to solve?  City have a big problem at striker. Robinho is best as support to a striker. Jo has yet to show why City paid £19m for him. Benjani is a decent striker but still seems to be hampered by the injury that hit him in preseason. 

That leaves two options, Ched Evans and Daniel Sturridge. Evans and Sturridge are two of the young, bright talents that have come from the City academy and while neither of these players' abilities are debatable, we can debate whether these players are ready. 

Ched Evans is a kid who has a good eye for goal, but has yet to gain the confidence to really be effective in the Premier League.  A loan spell in the Championship or in the top flight of another league in Europe could benefit Evans. 

As for Sturridge, all he really needs is the chance to start more Premier League matches at striker. He has been used as a winger at times but his strength is up front. Daniel Sturridge is a big, strong and quick player who possesses a keen eye for goal and has the attacking mentality that is required at that position. 

He also seems to be becoming more composed when he gains possession that he becomes an even greater threat. 

Relying on an 18-year-old kid at striker is not a viable option to Hughes though. Mark Hughes needs an experienced and proven striker that he can rely on to supply the goals.  Lukas Podolski or Roque Santa Cruz would fit that bill perfectly. 

In my opinion, Podolski is the better option as he wants out of Munich and Bayern seem like they will cave and let him leave. 

As for Santa Cruz, Blackburn will not sell him unless City splash out heavy amounts of cash. City have the money, but the new Arab owners are not too keen on just throwing money out at anyone. 

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Vote Now! - Author Poll

What should be Ciy's main buying focus in January?

  • Goalkeeper
  • Defender
  • Midfielder
  • Striker
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

What should be Ciy's main buying focus in January?

  • Goalkeeper

    1.7%
  • Defender

    41.4%
  • Midfielder

    34.5%
  • Striker

    22.4%
  • Total votes: 58
(0)
...
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written on December 04, 2008 Opinion

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