Manchester City have been linked with a move for AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer, as per reports.
The 22-year-old midfielder was previously a part of Arsenal’s youth set-up, before joining Italian club Empoli, and then AC Milan in the 2019 summer transfer window.
Foot Mercato (via Inside Futbol) have reported that manager Pep Guardiola is a fan of the midfielder, who could go on to replace David Silva after he leaves the club at the end of the season.
Bennacer moved to Milan for a fee of €16 million in 2019, and his contract with the club expires in 2024.
The Algerian international has been a key part of the AC Milan midfield in the 2019-20 season, making 20 appearances for the side in the Serie A.
Ismael Bennacer – What will he add to Manchester City?
Bennacer is a skilful, agile and versatile player, who can play in several different positions for his team.
The 22-year-old has good dribbling ability and confidence in his ability to drive past players with his skills. He is quick with and without the ball, and his pace to beat defenders one-v-one as well.
(Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)
The Algerian can play as a defensive midfielder or central midfielder, or even further forward as an attacking midfielder.
The left-footed player is a good passer of the ball, averaging 55.4 passes per game in Serie A in 2019-20, as well as 3.3 long balls per game. His quick and accurate passes help build attacks from deep within his own half.
He also uses his dribbling skills to get from his own half to the opposition’s, making him a solid option in the box-to-box midfielder role.
Bennacer also contributes defensively by making feisty tackles, averaging 2.4 tackles per game in Serie A for AC Milan. He also has great awareness to nip in and make interceptions.
He would be a good addition to the Manchester City squad, although he wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement for David Silva in the team.
The Algerian could be used as a central midfielder who wins the ball back with his pressing and tackling, and moves it quickly with long-range passes and quick dribbling.
Silva’s clever passing in the final third is one aspect that Bennacer doesn’t possess, although he could develop it over time at City.
Stats via Whoscored