‘Legs gone’ is a term that’s become familiar with Man City this season. Their ageing squad has lost its spark, almost in an instant.
Just last season, Man City claimed a fourth-straight Premier League title. And many, possibly including Pep Guardiola, might have been expecting a fifth this season.
But that’s far from the case. Despite a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the week, Man City are currently 20 points behind league leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table, sitting in 4th but with 5th place Chelsea just a point behind.
There’s been a lot of criticism towards the City players in recent weeks. After the defeat against Liverpool earlier in the month, Man City fans blasted Kevin De Bruyne, suggesting that the 33-year-old is well past his best.
What’s more, Gary Lineker has said Man City’s legs are going, naming the likes of De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield, as Man City gear up for a summer rebuild under Guardiola.
And one player who the City boss wants for his rebuild, and to replace the departing names in midfield is Bruno Guimaraes.
John Anderson critical of Bruno Guimaraes’ Newcastle United form amid Man City links
Man City have been linked with Guimaraes throughout this season. Earlier in February, Man City hammered Newcastle United 4-0 with Guimaraes failing to impress that day, with his form throughout this entire season having now been called into question.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle recently, former Magpies defender John Anderson has labelled Guimaraes’ recent form as ‘awful’, even suggesting that he has ‘no legs at all’ after Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Anderson said: “I think he has been awful lately. There was times where he looked like he couldn’t run. He was chasing shadows at times. (Ibrahima) Konate strolled past him as if he wasn’t there. He looked like he had no legs at all. I think he has been poor for a while. Some players are poor and get absolutely battered for it and some players are poor and no one mentions it.”
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Guimaraes is valued at £100million by the Magpies, so he won’t be a cheap signing for City, and Guardiola will want to make sure that he’s absolutely the right man for Man City before making a move.
Recent reports reiterate that City are hesitant about spending that much on the 27-year-old Brazilian international, and that Man City are waiting for ‘indications’ from Guimaraes that he’s willing to move to the Etihad in the summer.
But amid his poor run of form, it could deter City form making a move, especially with Guimaraes already losing his legs, as Anderson suggests. That’s something City certainly don’t need more of right now.
Man City return to action against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday evening.
