Gabriel
Well-Known Member
I’ve mentioned before that a bit more pace and physical aggression wouldn’t go amiss, but he’s arguably the most capable passer of the ball from the back that we have, be it into midfield or over the top.I think we largely agree. Callum has done brilliantly is his loans so far being pretty much a first pick at Sunderland, Coventry and Norwich. He only played 17 games whilst at Leicester and I cannot recall whether that was due to injury or not being picked. Lots of City youngsters have struggled on loans - I remember Morgan Rogers not getting much time on the pitch for Bournemouth.
Callum is very good on the ball and has played some impressive passes but maybe lacks pace to a team who plays a high line and sometimes seems not as dominant as you would expect him to be given his stature.
I think that if he went to the likes of Fulham, Villa, Forest etc. then he could be the next "One that git away". I do think he will need to make that step though as I cannot see Pep using him if he stayed.
I take your point about the new young players. I have a theory that Pep wanted a real speedster to replace Walker and shut down the likes of Vincius hence Khusanov. Reiss looks a nice, neat player but harder to see exactly where he fits in.
The problem with insisting that we play a high line is that we squeeze the opposition so far into their own half that it ultimately blunts many of the strengths of certain attacking players. If we play more expansively, then the need for speed in defence is reduced, but that also means surrendering a degree of control, which Guardiola appears loathed to do.
If Stones and Ake cannot be shifted this window, or at least accept reduced roles, then Doyle should seek pastures new. That would be a pity in my book.
*He suffered a knee injury at Leicester City that kept him out for months. Up until that point, he’d started every game for Maresca, who liked him, so if Doyle is unwanted back home, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Chelsea come sniffing.