Why Aguero Is the 1 Player Manchester City Can't Afford to Lose This Summer

Given the season Manchester City have had, which was defined by their inconsistency and domestic failure, there are, understandably, questions being asked about the squad.

Too old? Lacking quality? In need of a tactical reorganisation? The inquest is likely to run until Pep Guardiola’s arrival on July 1 when he will set about reshaping the squad in his image, with significant outlay expected as he looks to turn City into a side capable of both domestic and European success.

It’s a squad with holes and limitations, but it remains one possessing plenty of quality, too. Kevin De Bruyne has shone since his summer move, bringing assists, goals and an outstanding array of passing.

Fernandinho has perhaps been the most consistent player at the club over the three years Manuel Pellegrini was in charge, David Silva’s quality is enduring and Joe Hart continues to reaffirm his position as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers. There’s plenty for Guardiola to work with.

David Ramos/Getty Images

It’s perhaps Sergio Aguero, though, who remains the most important to keep hold of, mainly because of his supreme goalscoring talents, but also because of his commercial value and standing in the game. City have plenty of top-quality players, but none that come close to matching the Argentinian's global appeal.

At 27, he is perhaps entering the best years of his career. He now has vast experience of three leagues, having played 498 club games for Independiente, Atletico Madrid and City. He’s scored 260 goals in that time, a remarkable record that underlines his instincts in the final third.

"

⚽️Skills from Sergio Aguero as he scores for @MCFC in their #EmiratesFACup win at @NorwichCityFC yesterday. https://t.co/X91TIZA5Kn

— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 10, 2016"

He’s one of the most feared marksmen in Premier League history, with only Thierry Henry capable of matching his output. Aguero has scored an average of 0.68 goals per game, joint top with the Arsenal legend.

This season, he managed 0.8 per game. If he continues at that rate—and only injuries stand in his way—he will leave City as the most prolific forward since the Premier League began in 1992.

Only Alan Shearer reached 100 Premier League goals faster than Aguero. It took the former Newcastle United man 124 games, while Aguero managed it in 147. He's City's greatest-ever striker, of that there is little doubt. He's scored 136 goals in 208 games for the club, despite a number of muscle injuries that have held him back somewhat.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Where perhaps Guardiola can help him is by bringing in a different kind of striker capable of playing alongside him. The Wilfried Bony experiment may have failed miserably, but in theory it had merit.

Aguero thrived alongside Alvaro Negredo for a short period in 2013 before the Spaniard's collapse in form. Bony was an attempt to recreate that chemistry.

Unfortunately for City and Pellegrini, Bony is completely unsuited to the City side. Yes, he has the same physical presence as Negredo, but he lacks his movement and natural quality. The former Swansea City man, surely, will be shown the door over the summer.

Bony's failure to adapt has left City short of options. Aguero and Kelechi Iheanacho are different players, with the young Nigerian more suited to dropping deep and looking to link play, but they share many similarities. They're both technical players who like the ball at their feet. An alternative option is needed.

Aguero remains an asset to City on the pitch and off it. His hunger for goals is his greatest trait, and he ranks alongside the most highly valued attacking players in world football. In terms of out-and-out strikers, there's perhaps only Luis Suarez and Robert Lewandowski who compare.

City have in their midst a goalscoring legend and a commercial dream. Guardiola will look to build a team around his undoubted talent.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and has followed the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard.