I think if a good offer came in for Nasri I'd let him go and use Lopes as his replacement unless KDB comes. I think Lopes looks like he could be a fantastic player, and could easily take up Nasri's role for me. Rather tie down Lopes' future here by giving him game time than letting him leave and ruing our mistake in a year or two.
He was showing consistency at reserve level 2 years ago.
I watched him a lot at Lille, I'm fairly confident I watched all of his games, but may have missed the odd one. He was consistently their best player, the only inconsistency came from his injuries, and the fact their manager picked some awfully defensive teams and gave him very little to work with. He was the best player they've had since Hazard.
Well given that Lopes has actually played a handful of competitive games for City and been outstanding if not man of the match in about half of them, while neither Kelechi or Denayer have even set foot on the field for us in a real game, I can't say I agree with your assesment about him lacking the composure or confidence to play for the first team. To be honest, it's odd to criticise his maturity, composure and confidence, as they are some of his strengths.Really?
I'm not saying he isn't a talent, but he blows too hot and cold for me. I see more in Denayer and Iheanacho than I do in Lopes. Not in terms of ability, but in terms of their overall mentalities and maturity as players. They just seem more composed and more confident in breaking into the first team. Lopes will probably never make it at City, but I for one really hope he is a gem.
Lopes looked promising under both Mancini and Pellegrini but both managers must of picked up something in his game to be that reluctant to give him more game time.
Lopes > Navas, Roberts, Barker, Garcia
He should be in the squad.