An on loan Manchester City defender puts in a powerful display for Lens | OneFootball

Manchester City signed three centre-backs during the January transfer window. We have seen Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis already feature for Pep Guardiola’s side. Both players have shown that they will be a key part of Manchester City’s future. The third centre-back signed by the world champions was Juma Bah from Real Valladolid. We won’t see the young centre-back play for Pep Guardiola’s side this season as Bah is currently out on loan at Ligue One side Lens.

The young centre-back had made a slow start to life at Lens. Before the weekend he had only two substitute appearances for his new side. He started his first game for Lens over the weekend in their 1-nil win over Marseille. During his first start, he showed exactly why City were so eager to sign him by putting in a powerful display at the back for Lens.

Watching Bah’s performance against Lens what immediately stood out is his defensive acumen and tactical ability. At 18 years of age, he played with a maturity that is well beyond his years. That stood out as he lined up in a back five for Lens. He timed his challenges well and he was also strong in the air and in a challenge. Bah also read the game well and his strength also stood out in his play. All told he was superb for Lens in his first start for the club. Based on his performance during Lens’ crucial win he should be a mainstay in Lens’ defence this season.

The positive from a Manchester City point of view is that it appears to be obvious that they have signed one of the most tantalising defensive prospects in the game. Bah thrived for Real Valladolid which saw City sign the young centre-back. He isn’t as advanced as a player as Vitor Reis or Abdukodir Khusanov. What he is is a raw prospect with plenty of talent and potential. We saw that as he put in a dominant display at the back for Lens. If he can maintain that form for the remainder of this season we may see him at Manchester City as a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad sooner rather than later.