Manchester City are reportedly keeping tabs on Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell.
Having stepped up in the absence of Patrick van Aanholt, who joined Galatasaray on a free transfer last summer, the Crystal Palace academy starlet has played in every single game this season. He has established himself as Patrick Vieira’s first-choice left-back, and the youngster’s impressive first full campaign with the Eagles has seen him being rewarded by a late call-up to England side earlier this week as a replacement for the injured Reece James.
According to The Sun, Manchester City have registered their interest in Tyrick Mitchell following his breakout campaign at Crystal Palace. The Cityzens are in the market for a new left-back and are monitoring the Eagles defender’s progress, along with Newcastle United, Chelsea and Tottenham, the report adds.
Mitchell, 22, has missed just eight minutes of Premier League action this season, impressing largely with his defensive qualities. He has built a strong relationship with Wilfried Zaha on the left of the Eagles attack and chipped in with two assists in 29 appearances so far.
The 22-year-old has joined Crystal Palace teammates Marc Guehi and Conor Gallagher in the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
Tyrick Mitchell to Manchester City—A smart long-term investment?
In Joao Cancelo, Manchester City have arguably the best left-back in the division. Cancelo, 27, a right-back by trade, has made the left-back spot his own in the last 12-15 months and given the Sky Blues no reasons whatsoever to miss Benjamin Mendy, who has been suspended indefinitely by the club.
The Portuguese international has been heavily involved in every competition Man City has played this season, racking up 39 appearances in the process. However, Pep Guardiola could do with a player to ease some pressure off Cancelo’s shoulders next season, whilst adding some much-needed depth to the left-back area.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko becoming a fringe player and not up to the quality to push Cancelo week in, week out, signing a new left-back has to be one of Guardiola’s agendas heading into the summer transfer window.
In that regard, Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell could be a smart option. Mitchell has made steady progress under Patrick Vieira this season and deserves to get called up to the senior England squad.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye by averaging 3.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.6 clearances, 0.1 blocks, 0.1 shots, 0.6 key passes, 1.9 long balls and 0.6 dribbles per game in the Premier League. Registering the second-highest number of tackles in the division is an achievement in itself for the youngster, but he must improve his distribution skills having completed just 71.6% of his attempted passes. (stats courtesy: whoscored)
Defensively, Tyrick Mitchell looks very solid and composed for a player who is enjoying his breakout campaign with the Eagles. However, the Englishman must add more to his game going forward to become a well-rounded full-back.
For now, Man City must continue keeping a close eye on Mitchell’s progress at Selhurst Park before deciding whether to make a move or not at the end of the 2021/22 season.