Manchester City Transfers: Picking a Blues XI to Include Falcao and Ashley Cole

The rumor mill is in full swing at the moment as Manchester City prepare to strengthen their squad. The two players in question are Ashley Cole and Colombian striker Falcao. Although, it is not known at this stage if players could be secured in the January 2012 transfer window, but that will certainly be the target for the Premier League holders.

So, it seems logical to think about how Man City could fit their two new potential signings into a team. The 4-2-3-1 is quickly becoming one of the more popular formations in the top-flight, and I would expect Man City to stick with it. 

Joe Hart (Goalkeeper)

It seems like football is a fairly uncertain business these days, but Joe Hart can always be relied on to provide that little bit of certainty. It would be hard to find many people that would go against Hart being the undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper for both club and country.

It's fair to say that the keeper is well-protected when he plays for his club side, but when he is required, then he has the ability to pull off spectacular saves. And this is perhaps what makes the difference between the good keepers and the great ones. Hart doesn't just do his job, but he excels in his role. 

Ashley Cole (Left Back)

I can only assume that Man City are trying to sign Ashley Cole to make his first choice in the team. However, that does seem a little harsh on Gael Clichy, who is, after all, another fantastic left back in every respect.

Nevertheless, Cole would surely only consider this move after being given substantial assurances that he will play on a regular basis. The 31-year-old knows that he doesn't have many more seasons left at the highest level and his England career that he will want to make the most of. 

Micah Richards ( Right Back)

I have to admit that I am a big fan of Richards, but it has been a grand shame that he hasn't played more games for England. Clearly, it is difficult for him because he has Maicon to contend with at his club. But it would be nice to see Roberto Mancini place his faith in another English talent in a similar way to what he has done with Hart and others.

If this was to happen, then we might finally see Richards getting regular games for England. I have nothing against Glen Johnson, but I just feel Richards hasn't yet fulfilled his potential to be a world-class fullback. 

Joleon Lescott (Central Defender)

Lescott is another player that I am a big fan of, and it's good to see another top England player getting regular games at a big club. Lescott is now, in my eyes, England's main central defender following John Terry's retirement.

Therefore, it is vital that he continues to play games at the highest level. His partnership with Kompany last season proved what a good defender he is. This is one area of the pitch that Roberto Mancini would be foolish to mess with.

Vincent Kompany (Central Defender)

I think Vincent Kompany has to be a very strong contender to one of the best player Man City have signed in recent seasons. Kompany was actually signed by Mark Hughes, but reportedly cost only £6million. Therefore, it was an incredible piece of business considering how important he now is to Manchester City. 

I am not sure Man City would have won the Premier League without him, and he is now, in my opinion, the best defender in the Premier League.

Gareth Barry (Defensive Midfielder)

There is no doubt that Gareth Barry is one of the most underrated players in English football; this mainly comes from England fans. But Barry hasn't played as many games as he has for Man City by being a bad player.

I think the problem probably stems from the sort of player Barry is, but fans should be careful for what they wish for because there is no doubt that he would be missed if he was injured for a long time. Although Mancini has done well to recruit Jack Rodwell to provide competition and cover.

Yaya Toure ( Defensive Midfielder)

Yaya Toure has been a pleasure to watch since he arrived in the Premier League. Man City thought they were getting a holding midfielder, but we have seen that he is much more versatile than that. Nevertheless, I'm sure this is the role Mancini will use him in most often.

I do wonder, though, if James Milner could also be used in this role if Toure was to be used further forward.

David Silva (Left Attacking Midfielder)

The Spanish winger may be injured at the moment, and I'm sure Man City will be able to cope with his absence. But I'm a big fan of his abilities, and I would always like to see Silva playing whenever he is available.

Although there are clearly other options in the squad, such as Samir Nasri and James Milner for a more defensive option. However, I think Silva offers a different sort of attacking option that those other two can't.    

Sergio Aguero (Central Attacking Midfielder)

Even if Falcao does sign, Aguero will still play a very important part for Man City. And you don't spend the sort money that the club did on Aguero and then not use him. The key to playing the two defensive midfielders is that the team can then be more adventurous further up the pitch.

This role for Aguero will allow him to pick up positions that are difficult for the opposition to defend against and will also allow him to link up with Falcao when the opportunities present themselves.

Carlos Tevez (Right Attacking Midfielder)

I have to admit that 12 months ago, I wouldn't have expected to be including Carlos Tevez in a Man City team. But we know in football that things have that nasty habit of changing extremely quickly. What we know about Tevez is he is a versatile attacking player that has ample talents that allow him to play in a number of different positions.

The pace and trickery that he has will be important when he finds himself in wide positions, but Tevez will look to get himself in the box and grab himself a goal when the opportunity arises.

Falcao (Central Striker)

The Colombian striker is considered by many to be the world's best striker and would certainly add more quality to Man City's attacking options. Although it should be noted that Man City already, probably, have the best striking options in the Premier League, so they could be getting greedy.

Nevertheless, they seem prepared to hold off the challenge of Chelsea to secure the forward for around £46 million. Falcao has always had an amazing goalscoring record, irrespective of where he has been and at international level. This is something that is continuing this season with 12 goals in just eight appearances. He would surely be another foreign asset to the Premier League.

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