Has an opportunity arisen for Manchester City to unleash Claudio Echeverri? | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola today confirmed that Erling Haaland is set to be sidelined for up to 7 weeks. Today’s news is a blow to Manchester City’s bid to secure Champions League football for next season. But the Manchester City squad does have cover for the world’s best striker. Omar Marmoush can play up front and there are other options in Pep Guardiola’s squad to cover Haaland’s absence. One of those could be Claudio Echeverri.

The young playmaker has yet to feature in the Manchester City first-team since he arrived at the club. He has been seen training and attending games at the Etihad. There is a sense of anticipation building towards Echeverri’s debut. Erling Haaland’s injury may have opened up the chance for Echeverri to feature in Manchester City’s matchday squad.

Claudio Echeverri isn’t a striker. That’s not what I’m proposing. There is no chance of him playing up front. But he is an attacking midfielder who has the elements in his play that Manchester City lack. He can pick a pass and beat a man. His dribbling skills are elite. Echeverri has all of the talent and potential to become a special player. That’s what he could add to Manchester City’s play in Haaland’s absence.

There is merit to the idea of Echeverri being used as an impact substitute in Haaland’s absence. Pep Guardiola will have to get creative in Haaland’s absence. Omar Marmoush is likely to start up front tomorrow night against Leicester City. Phil Foden, Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish and potentially Oscar Bobb could all help fill the void created by Haaland’s absence. But Echeverri could add another dimension to Manchester City’s attacking play. He has a different skillset to City’s other attacking players. It’s food for thought if nothing else.

Summary.

The ankle injury Erling Haaland sustained during Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth is a major blow for Pep Guardiola’s side. Haaland’s goals are a crucial element of Manchester City’s play. But there are options to cover his absence. One of those could be Claudio Echeverri. Haaland’s injury may offer Echeverri the opportunity to debut for Manchester City. It remains to be seen if Echeverri is given that opportunity in the coming weeks.