A Brighton midfielder showed why he’d be ideal for Manchester City’s midfield at the Etihad | OneFootball

As Manchester City drew 2-all with Brighton at the Etihad a host of familiar flaws bubbled to the surface for Pep Guardiola’s side. Individual errors again proved to be costly at times for City. The lack of legs in midfield was also a constant issue during the match. This was especially prevalent when Fabian Hurzeler’s side broke with pace on Saturday. Looking at possible summer solutions to this there was one that stood out for City’s opponents on Saturday. Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba put in an energetic performance on Saturday. In the process, he showed why he could almost be the ideal summer signing for Manchester City.

Watching Carlos Baleba play at the Etihad, his ability to cover the ground stood out against Manchester City’s midfield. It was an attribute that helped Brighton win the necessary duels to prosper against Pep Guardiola’s side. The Brighton midfielder was also strong in a challenge, and he did showcase his passing ability, and his runs into the box from midfield did pose Manchester City problems. Although he squandered a golden opportunity to win the game for Fabian Hurzeler’s side late on, the run that got Baleba into position for the shot was superb. Watching the 82nd minute move back, Baleba left the Manchester City midfield in his wake. It was a brilliant run, and you add that attribute to Baleba’s all-around display, and you could see how Manchester City could benefit from moving for the Brighton midfielder in the summer.

The strengths of Carlos Baleba’s game would complement what Manchester City have.

In statistics sourced from Scouting Stats Baleba excels in his ball recovery, winning duels and interceptions. Those are attributes that Manchester City’s midfield currently lacks. He is also adept at carrying the ball and can pick a pass. Although he isn’t what you would call a Manchester City midfielder in terms of his ability to play a pass. But as we saw at the Etihad on Saturday the base skill level is there in Baleba’s game. Given his age and potential, he could immensely improve that side of his game in the right environment. But looking at the strengths of Carlos Baleba’s game you do feel they would complement Manchester City’s current midfield.

Manchester City have an interest in signing Carlos Baleba but it would be an expensive move.

Danny Rust and Dean Jones have previously reported for GIVEMESPORT that Manchester City do have an interest in signing Carlos Baleba in the summer. Furthermore, they report that Liverpool also have an interest in signing Baleba. Lastly, Rust and Jones add that Brighton would likely demand a transfer fee of around £115 million to sell Baleba.

Brighton are renowned for being tough negotiators in the transfer market. They buy low and sell high, especially with young players. Carlos Baleba appears to be the next player who could leave the Seagulls for a sizable transfer fee. Watching at the Etihad on Saturday you do feel that Manchester City should seriously consider paying up for a midfielder they so desperately need. Baleba would add attributes Manchester City’s midfield is screaming out for, and although he’d be expensive, you’d hate to see Manchester City miss out on a player who could potentially add so much to Pep Guardiola’s squad.