During Manchester City’s pre-season tour in the United States, one major takeaway was how many talented young attackers they have at their disposal.
For instance, David James backed Oscar Bobb to start against Chelsea in Manchester City’s Premier League opener — making such a claim after his first two starts in pre-season against Celtic and AC Milan.
Lescott hailed Bobb as City’s “standout performer” during pre-season as he seemingly took the onus of emerging as one of the main men in a young side.
Pep Guardiola also claimed Nico O’Reilly can play first-team football with Manchester City — commenting on how he can play in defensive midfield despite being a natural number 10.
O’Reilly’s flair, dribbling ability, smartly-timed late runs into the box and excellent technique are traits that were evident in pre-season that could indicate that once he is asked to play higher up the pitch, he could be even more impactful.
Pep Guardiola praised James McAtee as well, confirming that he will be a part of his boyhood club’s senior team next season.
McAtee could be handed a new contract at the Etihad Stadium as well, as per Fabrizio Romano’s recent revelation.
It will be interesting to see if either of the aforementioned three names are earmarked to replace Atletico Madrid-bound Julian Alvarez, despite not being natural strikers.
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Oli McBurnie says James McAtee could be the Alvarez successor at Man City
However, unlike Bobb and O’Reilly, McAtee has more Premier League experience, having started regularly for Sheffield United last season.
A player who played with him in both the English top-flight and the Championship is Oli McBurnie.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, McBurnie claimed that with Alvarez looking set to leave Manchester City, he is confident McAtee can adequately replace him next season.
McBurnie said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. Macca is one of the technically best players I’ve ever played with. The ability and I always describe those kinds of players as, football comes easy to them.”
“He never looks like he has to try when he’s playing football and yeah, like you said, [Julian] Alvarez moving on will perhaps give him that space in the squad to go on and make an impact.”
“I think everyone at Sheffield United knows how much quality he has and he can go and show on the biggest stage.”
McAtee should be looking to capitalise on potential Julian Alvarez exit
With Fabrizio Romano claiming City could target a winger to replace Alvarez instead of a striker, McAtee should be relieved they are not targeting the addition of another attacking midfielder.
The 21-year-old will still have to compete with world-class players like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden for a starting spot.
But even so, when either of them are rotated, McAtee will be handed a chance to showcase whether he is ready to start at City.
The Englishman’s opportunities as a starter could be sporadic due to the quality in the Sky Blues’ squad.
But when McAtee does get his big breaks, he must grab them with both hands.
Otherwise, the Salford-born technician will be failing to capitalise on the fact that despite Alvarez’s reported departure; a prospect which could mean he fails to continue impressing Guardiola.
