It’s Quiet 20 - What is the Wirtz that could happen?

[Zenmanc]

If he isn’t as quick as he was, he has lost some pace, simples

TBH he's lost more than pace... his defensive decision making, instincts just seem well flawed now. The pace helped pave over some of those emerging gaps but no longer.

 

[Dribble]

100% that's what I was poorly alluding to - he needed to adapt better to losing that pace to make himself of more use. However, I didn't think he should have extended back when Pep convinced him to and completely see the appeal of getting that payday elsewhere - much worse destinations than Milan.

TBF, Walker was still the best RB in the world at the point he extended, but that was 18 months ago & time catches up with us all.

He's not the only squad member struggling. A lot has happened this season, which leads us back to the summer where we again failed to get competition & cover for Rodri, & seriously start our succession planning for Walker, KDB, Gundog, Stones, Aké etc...

I still think Pep could've mitigated our loss of form better by opting to pick a formation & tactics for the squad we have available, rather than how we'd play with Rodri.

 

[mosssideblue]

TBH he's lost more than pace... his defensive decision making, instincts just seem well flawed now. The pace helped pave over some of those emerging gaps but no longer.

His pace covered up his lack of footballing ability imo and now it has been exposed

 

[decmancity]

TBH he's lost more than pace... his defensive decision making, instincts just seem well flawed now. The pace helped pave over some of those emerging gaps but no longer.

He seemingly refused or was too arrogant to admit he had lost a step and that small step at this level is the difference.

The goals we have conceded where he refused to just drop a yard or two or engage earlier because he thought he could just bully them again is outstanding.

 

[johnnytapia]

His blistering pace was his USP. It doesn't mean he's of no use to City being slighter slower, but after 8 years together, Kyle's in need of a fresh challenge & a new start for him & his young family, & City need to begin the much needed rebuild of our ageing squad.

Walker is merely the first of several legends to be leaving us over the next two seasons. This inevitable exodus will herald the next iteration of Guardiola's Manchester City. The good thing about it, is Pep seems bang up for the rebuild & the challenges ahead, which is great news for City.

Young families.

 

[kingn6]

You clearly never saw Hatem Trabelsi play.

It was a waterfall moment

 

[No One Understands]

I get that. Same with Bernardo? Ederson? Anyone that fancies a move in the middle of the season?

Apples and oranges I'm afraid.
Bernardo was at his peak when he started to look into leaving whereas Kyle is in the latter part of his career. He could play another five years, but it won't be at this level or in this country.

 

[Dr Jacoby]

TBH he's lost more than pace... his defensive decision making, instincts just seem well flawed now. The pace helped pave over some of those emerging gaps but no longer.

Hey, leave Tal Ben Haim out of this.

 

[Gumzy97]

Rodrygo being thrown under the bus by Spanish press and Madrid fans, only a matter of time until he's surplus to requirements. He will be pushed out this summer can see us getting him.

 

[asgoodasitgets]

TBH he's lost more than pace... his defensive decision making, instincts just seem well flawed now. The pace helped pave over some of those emerging gaps but no longer.

Any chance you could point out these gaps ?
I’m struggling to remember when the best fucking right back we have ever had the fortune to witness needed his pace to pave over some emerging gap .

 

[wolviedinho]

TBH he's lost more than pace... his defensive decision making, instincts just seem well flawed now. The pace helped pave over some of those emerging gaps but no longer.

Heads completely gone with the home situation.

He needs to get that right and then his overall performance will improve.

 

[Zenmanc]

Any chance you could point out these gaps ?
I’m struggling to remember when the best fucking right back we have ever had the fortune to witness needed his pace to pave over some emerging gap .

Have you watched him play this season?

 

[bluwes]

Any chance you could point out these gaps ?
I’m struggling to remember when the best fucking right back we have ever had the fortune to witness needed his pace to pave over some emerging gap .

Not this season. He’s been shocking at times

 

[Cobwebcat]

I wonder which of he targets is closest to being done. Difficult to tell with all the reports saying roughly the same stage….player done clubs talking.

 

[Tricky_Trev]

 

[RobinHood]

Up to player, City and clubs? So no news really.

 

[oldius]

If we are honest with the player, then there can be no negativity on either side, and his choice will be one made fully informed. If he is going to get opportunities, say it. If he is not, be really clear about it and let the player make a clear choice. He has done everything that we have asked of him. I hope he stays and is played.

 

[Monkchester]

This would be a huge mistake letting him go - I still can’t understand why he hasn’t had more game time this season especially with our struggles - I think he could be a City legend given the chance, he looks a wonderful footballer and seems to have time and create space and never looks hurried or unsure of what to do and his finishing is instinctive.

 

[oldius]

This would be a huge mistake letting him go - I still can’t understand why he hasn’t had more game time this season especially with our struggles - I think he could be a City legend given the chance, he looks a wonderful footballer and seems to have time and create space and never looks hurried or unsure of what to do and his finishing is instinctive.

I think that Pep has not wanted to throw young players into a failing team. Still, I hope that McAtee is now given more and more game time as the season progresses and the fixtures come thick and fast. I don't see much more that he can do than commit to training (which Pep has acknowledged), be a great person in the changing room (which Pep has acknowledged) and perform when he gets minutes (which he has).

 

[richards30]

We do seem to be struggling with the DM signing dont we?