Manchester City have been pitted against Borussia Monchengladbach in the last 16 of the Champions League, in what promises to be a fascinating tie.
Pep Guardiola’s men face a tricky task against an exciting Gladbach side, with Marco Rose’s men posing a threat against any of the big boys.
City will be wary of many players in the Gladbach side, including Alassane Plea, but two players already appear to be on their radar.
Fabrizio Romano claimed last month that City are keen on signing Gladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria, with Guardiola considering new midfield reinforcements.
Elsewhere, Bild reported last month that City are in the race for attacker Marcus Thuram, though a host of other elite sides also want him.
What’s interesting that rivals Liverpool want them too; Bild’s Christian Falk told Empire of the Kop in September that the Reds fancy Zakaria, whilst El Pais claim Liverpool wanted Thuram over the summer.
This now presents City with an ideal chance to see the duo first hand, ahead of potentially trying to win the race for the pair in 2021.
Zakaria seems ideal to be Fernandinho’s heir; he’s big, strong, quick, protects his defence brilliantly and has plenty of ability in terms of close control and passing range.
French attacker Thuram is a little different to anything City have; he’s a tall and rangy forward who can play out wide or up front, so Guardiola may see him as a game-changer up top.
How they cope with playing against Guardiola’s City could be a key part of the analysis, as strong displays will really demonstrate that they’re ready to make the next step – and potentially take down Liverpool next year.
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