Manchester City fans will already be rubbing their hands at the prospect of watching a fit Oscar Bobb return to playing regular football next season.
An ill-timed injury in training derailed the Norwegian international’s progress, who seemed set to have his breakthrough campaign at the Etihad Stadium — keeping him out for most of the season.
Guardiola was upset about Bobb’s injury after describing his performances in pre-season as “incredible.”
However, Oscar Bobb has a chance to remind the world at the forthcoming FIFA Club World Cup that he is one of Europe’s most talented young attackers.
Manchester City rate Bobb extremely highly and believe that he is destined for the top.
Man City’s move for Rayan Cherki should concern Oscar Bobb
But with Manchester City confident about signing Rayan Cherki in the next few days, Bobb has every reason to be concerned about his playing time next season.
Much like the 21-year-old, Cherki can also play both as a number 10 as well as out wide.
Pep Guardiola expects Phil Foden to bounce back next season as well, who will provide Bobb further competition for a starting place in the following campaign.
Guardiola could deploy either Foden or Rayan Cherki on the right-wing with the other stationed centrally to pair both players with each other; two players who have operated at world-class standards previously.
While Bobb has the potential to become a superstar, perhaps the Manchester City boss could give him limited minutes as he would be hoping to get the best out of both Cherki and Foden as a duo.
Furthermore, Pep Guardiola may especially be banking on players who he reckons could deliver in the here and now to give him the best chance of winning the Premier League and the Champions League in particular, with the Oslo-born ace still finding himself in the senior game.
Oscar Bobb could play in a position he rarely plays next season
However, Bobb has shown during his stint as a first-team player for Manchester City that he is ready to make his mark.
From Bobb’s famous winner against Newcastle United in 2023 to his assist for Bernardo Silva’s late equaliser against Manchester United in 2024, the City wonderkid is a truly special player.
But if limited opportunities are on offer in the number 10 and right-wing positions next season, the highly-rated technician may have to make his mark on the left flank.
Having impressed as a left-winger against Sheffield United in 2023 when he provided the pre-assist for Julian Alvarez’s strike in a 2-1 win, he should back himself to displace Jeremy Doku or Jack Grealish to become a regular starter under Guardiola.
