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Replacing one of the Premier League’s most influential playmakers poses a significant challenge for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City as they prepare for a summer transition following Kevin De Bruyne’s departure from the club.
De Bruyne’s unparalleled assist-to-minutes ratio in Premier League history marks his legacy. However, his performance has noticeably waned over the last two seasons. This current campaign has seen him record only three goals and seven assists, representing his second-lowest contribution in terms of assists for Manchester City, with the only worse season being the 2018/19 term when injuries curtailed his playing time until Boxing Day.
Such a decline likely influenced the club’s decision-makers to start planning for life beyond De Bruyne. Still, the task of finding a suitable replacement for one of the league’s all-time greats is daunting.
Can Foden Rise to the Occasion?
Reflecting on the previous season may provide insight into a potential successor to carry on De Bruyne’s attacking responsibilities. An analysis of De Bruyne’s heatmap from his outstanding 2019/20 Premier League season—during which he contributed 20 assists and scored 13 goals—shows remarkable similarities to Phil Foden’s positioning during his PFA Player of the Season performance last year, with both players favoring the right wing.
However, Foden’s statistical output leans more towards goal scoring, as he has never surpassed eight assists in a single Premier League season. Their assist methods also reveal a distinct contrast; Foden is adept at executing short, precise passes, while De Bruyne is renowned for his long, pinpoint crosses that often open up defenses from wide areas.
Is Marmoush a Viable Option?
Omar Marmoush, who joined in January, could emerge as a candidate to fill this pivotal role, having notched up nine assists in the Bundesliga while playing for Eintracht Frankfurt. Even in the absence of the injured Erling Haaland, Marmoush has primarily operated on the left flank for Manchester City.
There is ongoing speculation regarding potential summer signings including Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, both of whom also prefer positions on the left. This suggests that Marmoush might be well-positioned to adapt and take over De Bruyne’s influential role.
Will City Pursue a Direct Replacement for De Bruyne?
According to data from Fbref, several players exhibiting similar attributes to De Bruyne include Paulo Dybala, Heung-Min Son, and Cole Palmer. Interestingly, Wirtz and Foden rank seventh and ninth in the list, with other notable names like Raphinha of Barcelona and Isco of Real Betis also appearing in the top ten.
As Manchester City contemplates its options, the upcoming season promises to be intriguing, with numerous players vying for one of football’s most analyzed positions. The decisions made during this transfer window could significantly shape the future dynamics of the team.
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www.skysports.com