Matija Nastasic: "The Next Nemanja Vidic"

Hello everybody, once again. Today, I'm here to share my views and opinions regarding a defender, whom I particularly admire and enjoy watching.

Ever since Manchester City showed the initial signs of intent regarding the signature of young Serb Matija Nastasic, I was interested.

Not because he had played regular first team football for Fiorentina, and not because he had played for the Serbian National team on several occasions, alongside players like United's Nemanja Vidic. Not entirely. I was interested because Vidic had said himself that Nastasic was 'the next Vidic'.
It's not often that a player of Vidic's quality heaps praise onto a 19-year old. Not often at all. The fact that Nastasic had been playing regular football was actually massively beneficial on City's part on two fronts: one, that he had developed and matured as a person and as a player, and, two, that he had played regularly consistent football to be able to establish himself as a fantastic, young player in the Serie 'A'.

If City's number 33 were to have been promoted directly from City's own youth academy, it is 99% likely he wouldn't be in the squad sheet week in, week out like he is now. He wouldn't even be on the bench. He would have been in the same position as City graduates, like John Guidetti, Rekik and Abdul Razak.

It's the same reason high potential players such as Daniel Sturridge, Nedum Onuoha and Vladimir Weiss left the club. Take a look at teams like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham .... look at players such as Cleverly, Wilshere, Sterling and Bale respectively... the list goes on. And on. And on.
Anyway, I'm straying away from my point now (although I will be writing an article on City's academy compared to other teams' academies -- probably soon).

Let's take a look at some of Matija's stats. Manchester City have won 69% of games with Matija Nastasic this season (11/16) and just 45% of those that he has missed (5/11) (courtesy of @OptaCity) and Nastasic has completed 96% of his tackles, has performed a total of 0 mistakes leading to goals, and on top of that has completed 89% of his passes. And he's only 19-years-old. Remarkable. (courtesy of @City_Watch).

Let's rewind. The teenage Serb made his debut for the club on 18 September 2012, starting in a Champions League away fixture against Real Madrid, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This just proves entirely what a talent this guy is.

He's also left-footed, which is extremely useful when it comes to partnering skipper Vincent Kompany; Mancini prefers to play one left-footed and one right-footed centre back. This left-footed defender would have been Joleon Lescott last term; he was an outstanding defender. But, Nastasic has frozen him out this season.

Why? Because he's a perfect defender. He's tall, strong, got a good pass, good head, he's got pace, he's composed...

So, next time you see City play, look out for Nastasic. All he needs to do now is score his first goal in sky blue...

Manchester City v Fulham: Preview (19/1/13)

Manchester City go into a reasonably easy fixture trailing Premier League leaders and rivals Manchester United by 7 points.
There had been recent speculation of Roberto Mancini being replaced in the Summer. But, with target Pep Guardiola officially set to join German powerhouses Bayern Munich in the summer, Mancini will be a very happy man. Guardiola was wanted by City owner Sheikh Mansour, as he had similar aspirations as the club. And with several ex-Barca staff being employed ay City, speculation was mounting.
However, I believe this news will bring out some confidence in both the players and Mancini himself.
I expect the City squad to lineup as follows;
4-1-2-1-2
Hart;
Zabaleta
Kompany
Nastasic
Clichy;
Barry;
Nasri
Milner;
Silva;
Tevez
Agüero
I could see Dzeko replacing a returning Aguero, but on the hole, a generally familiar City lineup. Slightly weakened, but still extremely capable of netting 4+ goals against a currently weak Fulham side at the Fortress that is the Etihad Stadium.
In terms of who will score these goals, my predicting for goalscorers is:
Milner, Aguero x2, Tevez; Berbatov
Another returning player is Nasri, who rejoins the squad after his controversial suspension received for an alleged headbutt during City's 4-3 victory over Norwich City. Also, Kompany's controversial sending off, received against Arsenal. being overturned is a massive boost, after all, he is the captain, a great leader and a rock at the back.
A potential return for midfielder Jack Rodwell is also on the cards, after manager Roberto Mancini revealed he is currently fit to play if required. Rodwell could start in place of Barry to regain some kind of match fitness.
Agüero returning from a short sideline with a hamstring injury, sustained during the 3-0 victory over Stoke, is also a major boost. The prolific Argentine has scored, four goals, in all of his three meetings with Fulham.
KEY MAN: Pablo Zabaleta - Arguably City's best player in recent weeks and possibly the best full back in the Premier League. The Argentine has built up some what of a reputation for getting forward, but also for tracking back and being a solid, hard-tackling defender.

City v Madrid: Preview (21/11/12)

City go into this tough, home fixture, knowing that only a win will keep alive any chances - however slim - of playing in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

I think that City will line-up as follows:
(3-5-2)

Joe Hart

Joleon Lescott
Vincent Kompany
Matija Nastasic

Aleksander Kolarov
Samir Nasri
Yaya Toure
David Silva
Maicon

Sergio Aguero
Carlos Tevez

My predicted score is a narrow 3-2 victory for Man City, the scorers being:
Aguero x2, Tevez
Ronaldo, Benzema

Soup is a starter: Edin Dzeko is not

Edin Džeko is currently Man City's leading goalscorer in the 2012/2013 season

Quick joke: Soup is a starter: Edin Dzeko is not, because he is a soup-er sub!

But let's be serious, Edin Džeko has proved to many Manchester City fans that he is a real, quality striker. The Bosnian forward is known as "Bosanski dijamant", or "The Bosnian Diamond", in his native country and it is very clear why, especially since he was named Bosnian Footballer of the Year for 2009 and 2010.

Džeko has played 49 times for his country and scored 26 goals since 2007, becoming Bosnia's highest goal scorer of all time.

Džeko best attributes, in my opinion, are his height, strength, and goal scoring reputation.

And although Sergio Aguero's title winning goal will always be the most memorable goal for City fan's, it wouldn't have been possible without Džeko's equaliser in the 90th minute of the game against QPR in the 2011/2012 season.

That one important goal is one of many examples of Džeko showing better qualities coming on from the bench, rather than starting the game. He has scored seven goals so far this season, City's top goalscorer, yet six of these seven goals were scored after Džeko came on from the bench in the second half.

Recent rumours suggest that Manchester City are looking to purchase Fioretina's Stefan Jovetic and Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao, and these also include details that both Italian teammate Mario Balotelli and Dzeko will be sold or used as counterweights in potential deals for the pair.

This has come on the tail of Džeko rejecting the phrase "super sub" that has been cast upon him this season after a string of successful performances from being a substitute. I do believe that Džeko is most effective as a substitute, replacing a tiring Carlos Tevez, and I think that Džeko is the "Hernandez" of our team. Fast (though not as fast), strong and a goal poacher on the counter-attack, a really great player to have in a game in which you just can't break down the opposition back four [or in City's case, 3 ;)].

After a total of 22 goals in 54 appearances for the club, I really do hope the 26-year old can stay on at City and continue with his massive success.

Manchester City: Transfer Roundup (12/11/12)

Daniele de Rossi:

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will reportedly ask new director of football Txiki Begiristain to sign Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi in January.

De Rossi, 29, a long-term targer has reportedly told friends he wants to leave Roma, his only professional club. The Mail reports that Roma would ask at least £20 million for De Rossi, who would be paid about £100,000 per week.

City has plenty of depth in De Rossi's central defensive role, including key man Yaya Toure, Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia, signed from Benfica in the summer. However, James Milner and Gareth Barry, both with around 2 years left on their contracts, have fallen out of favour with Roberto Mancini.

Mancini has been a great admrier of De Rossi for a number of years, and a move to City for the experienced Italian looks highly probable in January 2013.

Radamel Falcao:

Roberto Mancini has reportedly held talks with the agent of Radamel Falcao. 

The Colombian international is regarded as one of the hottest strikers in world football, and he is expected to leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season.

Falcao has been linked with Chelsea since hitting a hat-trick against the Londoners in the UEFA Super League. This has prompted Chelsea and rivals Real Madrid to attempt to lure Falcao into their respective squads. 

However, several reports suggest Manchester City coach Mancini has already met with the agent of the 26-year-old, as he looks to lure the player to the Etihad Stadium.

Falcao remains under contract at the Vicente Calderon until 2016, and he would cost a transfer fee of around £40million with a salary of around £5million-per-year.

The only potential problem with purchasing the Colombian would be that of "too many forwards", a problem Mark Hughes faced at the club a few years ago. Roberto Mancini recently left fellow Italian Mario Balotelli out of the match squad to face Tottenham Hotspur, and this has fueled speculation that the 22-year old will be sold to former rivals AC Milan. This would free up some space, although City would still be left with three talented striker in Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko. 

Jack Butland:

Jack Butland is one of the up-and-coming talents of English football and Roberto Mancini is considering a £6 million bid for the 'keeper. 

City attempted to lure the Englishman from Birmingham City in the summer, after successful performances for Team GB in the London 2012 Olympics. However, his valuation was too high – and manager Lee Clark did not want to sell.

Roberto Mancini plans to grab the big shot-stopper for around £6million and possibly loan him back to the Blues to keep him sharp and playing every week, with current first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart irreplaceable.

And now that the auction has calmed down, City hope they can do a deal at a proper price to recruit Butland as cover and long-term competition for Joe Hart.

Butland wants to play to help his development, so a buy-and-loan-back agreement would suit him – while a move to a Premier League club also means a major pay hike.

Birmingham fended off interest in the summer but could be more open to do business now.

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur 11/11/12: Review

Edin in the right direction?

Edin Dzeko once again scored a winner for City after coming off of the bench

Manchester City extended their home league unbeaten streak to 35 games, stretching back to December 2010, after a 2-1 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

City largely dominated the opening 20 minutes, but fell behind to a Steven Caulker header from Tom Huddlestone's whipped free-kick. Joe Hart got both gloves to the ball, but was unable to prevent the young Englishman scoring.

Several decisions then went against the Citizens before their second half equalizer. A blatant handball by Spurs' William Gallas in the penalty area was not seen by referee Michael Oliver, before City had several positions to score wrongfully ruled offside.

William Gallas appeared to handle the ball, but no penalty kick was awarded

David Silva, returning from a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, returned in style with a great performance. He added the much need spark to Manchester City's fire and made their game flow, with some quality passing and dribbling. Assisted City's winner.

Spurs pushed on in search of a second after half time, but sloppy passing and poor decisions by their players did not help, nor did their minimal possession. Gareth Bale, who was quoted by ex-boss Harry Redknapp as "an amazing talent, after the Ronaldos and Messis of this world", was much kept quiet by the City fullbacks.

The Champions unexpectedly substituted Matija Nastasic for Maicon in the 56th minute. Maicon had a massive influence on the game and used his pace to cause problems for Spurs fullback Jan Vertonghen. Maicon supplied plenty of excellent balls into the box, and although none of these were converted, several caused problems for the Tottenham back four.

Man City did eventually find an equalizer in the 65th minute through Argentine Sergio Aguero. With City on the counter-attack, a misplaced touch by Yaya Toure fell to Aguero on the right hand side of the penalty area, and he cut back towards goal and passed the ball into the far bottom corner of the goal, deservedly beating Spurs 'keeper Brad Friedel with a cool, composed finish.

City controlled much of possession throughout the game, 55% overall, and had several opportunities to take the lead. Tevez, who was beginning to tire, was replaced by Edin Dzeko in the 73rd minute of the game, as Roberto Mancini knew City had to win the game to stay in touch with league leaders Manchester United.

Dzeko went on to score a superb half-volley in the 88th minute. The substitute held off two defenders, before laying the ball to David Silva, who chipped the ball with perfect weight over all seven of Spurs defending players, and it bounced into the path of Edin Dzeko, who hit the ball hard past Friedel.

The starting line-ups for both teams

All three of the goals in the thrilling 2-1 game

Manchester City Player ratings out of (10):

• Joe Hart (6)  - Didn't have much a job to do. A few decent saves. Unlucky with the Spurs goal.
• Pablo Zabaleta (7) - Dealt with Gareth Bale superbly. Great going forwards. Should have scored a low shot on goal. 
• Vincent Kompany (6) - Generally solid. Occasionally wasted time when the scores were level and didn't play the ball forward, 
• Matija Nastasic (6) - The young Serbian is slowly becoming a quality center half. Some good tackles and interceptions. Unexpectedly replaced in the second half.
• Gael Clichy (7) - Countered Aaron Lennon's pace on the right with some great defending and pace. Great tackle in the penalty area on Defoe towards the end of the game.
• Yaya Toure (6) - Occasional burst of pace and strength to help the team going forward. Solid at the back.
• Gareth Barry (4.5) - Generally poor performance. Continually gave the ball away with poor passes and lost the ball in dangerous areas at times. 
• David Silva (8) - Great performance considering he has been injured for a month or so. Nice passing, dribbling and wonderful lobbed pass for the winner.
• Aleksander Kolarov (5) - Not one of his best games. Poor corners. Sloppy passing. 
• Carlos Tevez (7) - Made good runs and passes thorughtout. 
• Sergio Aguero (6) - Scored the equalizer, but had plenty of chances to score. Should have had at least 3 goals. Showed strength on occasion but found himself on the floor more than he would have liked.

Subs:

56" Nastasic -----> Maicon (9) - Best City performance yet. Showed speed and strength. Several good crosses and passes, unlucky that they were not to converted. 

73" Tevez -----> Dzeko (8) - Scored another winner from the Bench. "Hernandez" of our team. 

90" Aguero -----> Garcia (5) - Played 6 minutes. Nothing exceptional, did his job. 

Pep Guardiola: My theory

Are Manchester City Pep-aring a new manager?

I believe that Pep Guardiola could be managing Manchester City next season. Below are a few of the reasons why I think he will:

• Former Barcelona staff at City;

Manchester City have recently employed three former Barcelona staff. All of the following members of City hierarchy are formerly a part of the Catalan outfit. Ferran Soriano (current City CEO) and Txiki Begiristain (current City Director of Football) have increased links between Man City and Barcelona, and both of the above previously worked with Guardiola before he stepped down as Head Coach of the Spanish giants. Begiristain is also considering hiring former Barcelona scout Bojan Krkic, too.

• Mancini and poor tactical decisions

Manchester City have recently suffered as a result of poor managerial tactics, such as zonal marking and a 3/5 man defence, consisting of 2 "wing-backs". This has fuelled speculation linking Roberto Mancini with a move away from the English Champons. 

• Guardiola's judgement

Guardiola hasn't just been linked with a move to the Citizens. A number of other high profile clubs are after the Spanish man's signature, such as rivals Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and AC Milan. However, Sir Alex Ferguson is not looking like retiring anytime soon. Manchester City have the money to bag the world-class players Guardiola would want to bring in, and they also have the one of the best academies in world football, with plans for a new state-of-the-art £100 million training complex. Manchester City certainly have the future aspirations and sustainability that would perfectly suit  Pep Guardiola.

• Trophies and experience

Although Roberto Mancini has brought plenty of success in such a short period of time, the Premier League title, F.A. Cup and Community Shield in just two seasons, he has failed to show any kind of promise in Europe. City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak will surely be wanting to win the Champion's League in the next few years, like Chelsea, and City don't look like winning it anytime soon. Guardiola would bring some much needed experience into the City camp and would collaborate with former player Yaya Toure, who has become a key figure for the Blues. 

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur 11/11/12: Preview

David Silva could return for Manchester City against Spurs

With Manchester United completing a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, Manchester City come to a vital game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, knowing that only a win will keep them within touching distance of their rivals who currently stand 5 points clear of City at the top of the Premier League Table.

With David Silva, Maicon and Joleon Lescott expected to return, the Champions could field a potentially strong side against an on-and-off Spurs side, who last week lost at home to Wigan Athletic. However, City have Micah Richards, James Milner and Jack Rodwell all out with injuries. 

Although the Citizens haven't been in particularly sensational form either, I think that we could potentially "wake up" tomorrow and with Spurs' defence not particularly strong at present in the league, Agüero, Tevez and Silva could wreck havoc in the opposition's half. 

City showed in midweek against Ajax that they can cause problems at goal, but a consistent goalscorer has not yet been established for us and this is slightly concerning. It was Agüero last season and Tevez the year before that, but we are still yet to discover our "Van Persie" or "Michu". 

City have looked especially shaky from set-pieces in the opening stages of the season, due to our unresolved problems caused by zonal marking, which I still can't understand. Adebayor and Defoe, presuming they start, good utilise this tactic from Bale's dangerous corners and punish our defence. 

Yaya Toure, who earlier this week said, "'I want to make history with this club, I want to end my career here," looked extremely threatening in an advanced role against both West Ham United and Ajax. His occasional bursts of pace and strength are often unmatched and he can both score goals and pass the ball well. I think he can play a pivotal role against Spurs and positively influence the game and affect the outcome of the game.

With City looking for a fourth consecutive win over Spurs, here are my predicted line-ups:

• Manchester City (4-2-3-1)

Joe Hart

Pablo Zabaleta

Vincent Kompany

Matija Nastasic

Gael Clichy

Javi Garcia

Gareth Barry

David Silva

Yaya Toure

Sergio Agüero

Carlos Tevez

• Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2)

Brad Friedel

Jan Vertonghen

William Gallas

Michael Dawson

Kyle Walker

Gareth Bale

Tom Huddlestone

Sandro

Aaron Lennon

Jermaine Defoe

Emmanuel Adebayor

I definitely think that City will win, and I think we will win comfortably. Therefore, I am going to predict a 4-1 win for Manchester City. (Goalscorers- Agüero x2, Tevez, Yaya Toure;  Defoe)

I think we will rediscover our great goalscoring form from last season on Sunday, and hopefully we can win the game.