5 Positions Manchester City Should Strengthen

Manchester City were unusually quiet during the January transfer window.

They didn't manage to get rid of Carlos Tevez, and the only acquisition they made was David Pizarro on loan from AS Roma.

Even if Manchester City do manage to win the Premier League title this season, they still should look to improve the squad during the summer. Their billionaire owner is not one to rest on his laurels.

With the financial fair-play rules coming into effect for the start of next season, City may find themselves somewhat restrained in the transfer market.

Don't expect the Citizens to address all of these positions in the summer window, but certainly expect one or two gaps to be filled.

Central Defence

Manchester City have two class central-defenders, but that's it.

With Vincent Kompany banned, Stefan Savic took over his defensive mantle and looked unconvincing to say the least.

Joleon Lescott has really grown into the side during the course of the season and looks to have finally settled after his big-money move.

Manchester City simply must look to the transfer market during the summer and invest in a third, quality centre back. Stefan Savic needs time to develop as a fourth choice and Kolo Toure should be dispensed of as soon as possible.

Someone from this list I created early in January could be a good shout.

Left Back

Roberto Mancini has switched between Gael Clichy and Aleksander Kolarov more times than I can count this season.

They're both capable left backs, but they're different types of players. Mancini appears to favour Clichy in the big games due to his recovery pace and incredible engine.

Aleksander Kolarov is used mostly in what would be perceived to be easier games or as an impact substitute due to his wand of a left foot.

But is either player truly suited to the aspirations of City? Probably not, but how many quality left backs are there at the moment? There does seem to be a shortage.

Domenico Criscito, Aly Cissokho or Leighton Baines could be nice addition.

Defensive Midfield

A position that doesn't necessarily need addressing urgently, but it will sooner rather than later.

Manchester City have just loaned David Pizarro to beef up the midfield numbers, and that tells you the current personnel aren't quite equipped for the title run.

David Pizarro is by no means a long-term acquisition. He's 32 years old himself but it's believed he's been brought in due to Owen Hargreaves' failure to display consistent fitness and form.

Gareth Barry is getting slower and slower and will probably be edged out of the lineup by a new summer acquisition.

Attacking, Creative Midfield

Samir Nasri has been a huge disappointment. 

That goal he smashed in to open the scoring against Tottenham is something he should have been doing all season.

Roberto Mancini has one genius in midfield by the name of David Silva, and he will have been hoping to deflect defensive attention from him by signing Nasri.

Unfortunately, the Frenchman has been poor. With the money available to sign a new attacking player at will, is Samir Nasri under pressure?

City fans will be hoping for Nasri to return to the form he displayed in his last season at Arsenal, or else look for another player to carry the mantle.

Marek Hamsik would definitely be an upgrade.

Striker

In Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli, Manchester City have two excellent strikers.

Edin Dzeko is OK. That's pretty much as far as I'm willing to go with him. He started extremely well this season but tailed off alarmingly. His goal against Wigan was his first for around 10 games— not what you want from a near £30million man.

With Carlos Tevez unlikely to play for Manchester City again despite being included in the 25-man squad, a fourth striker might be a good addition in the summer.

Edinson Cavani, anyone?