So, we were going to move onto the next stage of analysing the Man City defense in this post. However, city have been busy in the transfer market, buying players to fill the gaps in the squad. I have seen all the pre-season friendlies, so I have formed some initial assumptions of each players capabilities. Here are some:
1.Willy Caballero:
Caballero was city's first signing in this transfer window. The Argentinian arrived for a fee of approx. 6 million pounds from Malaga. He arrives with the reputation of being a solid goalkeeper. He has worked with City boss Manuel Pellegrini earlier when they both were at Malaga. His name was noticed around the footballing world when he put in incredible performances during Malaga's Champions league run.
He was linked to City for the past year. The rumours caught speed after Joe Hart's lean patch during the middle of the last season, which resulted him in being dropped in favour of Costel Pantilimon (You know you are in deep shit if Pantilimon is playing and you are on the bench).
He arrives at city NOT as the reserve keeper, but as actual competition to Hart. I assume that Hart will be playing the Premier league and the Champions league matches, while Caballero will start for the League cup and FA cup matches. However, if Hart suffers from any loss of form or starts committing blunders, I am sure Caballero will take his position for good.
Strengths:
1. Ball distribution : This is the first thing I noticed about him. His goal kicks are extremely accurate. I remember, during the match against AC Milan , when he was about to take a goal kick. He spotted Jesus Navas, playing on the right wing, who got about 15 yards away from his marker. Caballero proceeded to smash an inch perfect goal kick onto Navas's foot, which the winger controlled easily and immediately started an attacking move. Such an ability is very useful if you are counterattacking, or if you are playing opponents who are not allowing you to pass from the defense, and are pressing you constantly.
2: Shot stopping: Caballero's shot stopping is top quality. He's good at one on one's. I have a feeling that he is very good at stopping penalties as well. Here are some clips.
Grey areas:
1. Aerial balls
I would not call this a weakness, because I have not been able to this side of his game a lot. He does not seem as comfortable collecting crosses, especially at set pieces and corner kicks. Let's just hope I am mistaken.
Personally I think this a good deal for the club and Hart. For the club, he is a top class signing, while also being reasonably priced. He will keep Hart on his toes. The competition between them will bring out the best in them both. In any case, if one of them drops his performance levels, the other can come in and provide a proper degree of reliability in front of goal.
He was linked to City for the past year. The rumours caught speed after Joe Hart's lean patch during the middle of the last season, which resulted him in being dropped in favour of Costel Pantilimon (You know you are in deep shit if Pantilimon is playing and you are on the bench).
He arrives at city NOT as the reserve keeper, but as actual competition to Hart. I assume that Hart will be playing the Premier league and the Champions league matches, while Caballero will start for the League cup and FA cup matches. However, if Hart suffers from any loss of form or starts committing blunders, I am sure Caballero will take his position for good.
Strengths:
1. Ball distribution : This is the first thing I noticed about him. His goal kicks are extremely accurate. I remember, during the match against AC Milan , when he was about to take a goal kick. He spotted Jesus Navas, playing on the right wing, who got about 15 yards away from his marker. Caballero proceeded to smash an inch perfect goal kick onto Navas's foot, which the winger controlled easily and immediately started an attacking move. Such an ability is very useful if you are counterattacking, or if you are playing opponents who are not allowing you to pass from the defense, and are pressing you constantly.
2: Shot stopping: Caballero's shot stopping is top quality. He's good at one on one's. I have a feeling that he is very good at stopping penalties as well. Here are some clips.
Grey areas:
1. Aerial balls
I would not call this a weakness, because I have not been able to this side of his game a lot. He does not seem as comfortable collecting crosses, especially at set pieces and corner kicks. Let's just hope I am mistaken.
Personally I think this a good deal for the club and Hart. For the club, he is a top class signing, while also being reasonably priced. He will keep Hart on his toes. The competition between them will bring out the best in them both. In any case, if one of them drops his performance levels, the other can come in and provide a proper degree of reliability in front of goal.
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