Transfer Story
AS Monaco has produced a string of talents and their charismatic rise on the domestic and European fronts this season glaringly exemplify that fact. No doubt Jardim’s coveted young talents and superstars are on the verge of being poached by big clubs, this summer.
Latest reports link Monaco left back, Benjamin Mendy, with a sensational move to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola doesn’t seem to be done after acquiring Bernardo Silva from Monaco and is now currently on a full-blown pursuit for Silva’s team mate, Mendy.
Presently Pep is on the look out to rejuvenate his ageing full backs and the powerful Frenchman seems to have caught the attention of the Spaniard, Pep.
With 4 years left on the talisman’s contract, the 22-year old is said to be valued at around £40m by the Red and Whites.
Let’s take a look at the player’s stats and discuss his role and contribution to the Etihad Stadium.
Benjamin Mendy – Player Stats
The French International has been impressive this season at the Ligue 1 club and was one of the driving forces for Monaco’s overall success this year. The versatile midfielder has garnered a lot of interest from other Premier League clubs as well and Pep’s affinity for the versatile Frenchman should come as no shock.
- The 22-year old has made 25 appearances in the league for the Ligue 1 champions this season and has made 5 assists in the process.
- The player has made 26 key passes and maintained a healthy pass average of 76% which goes to show the player’s vision and creativity to create chances as well as help the team in build-up play.
- The Monaco full back has made 41 interceptions while maintaining a healthy tackle success rate of 77%. Not used to getting overrun on the flanks, the powerful frenchman has given a torrid time to wingers and attacking full backs this season.
- With a solid left foot, the Frenchman has proven to be lethal at sending in crosses and long balls into the box. A quality much needed in a full back.
- The Frenchman also had an impressive run in the Champions league where he has contributed 3 assists in 7 appearances. Not a prolific goalscorer but is never short of creativity and awareness to create one, it seems! (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the Club?
All the qualities shown above are everything that the Sky Blues could use at the moment. Other than being the long-term replacement for Clichy and Kolarov in the back, he would infuse sheer energy and lethal speed to City’s wingplay tactics that Pep has seen lacking in certain times during the season.
Well known for his creativity and defensive awareness, Mendy would be an ideal addition at Etihad as he could steam up the pitch to help the team when on the offense and also quickly drive back and add to the team’s defence, a key quality that Pep loves to infuse in his gameplay tactics.
It’s safe to say that the Frenchman would be an asnwer to City’s full back problem.
Worth the Money?
Although £40m does seem steep for a full back but the traits and potential showcased by the individual does make up a stellar case in favour of the price tag.
In today’s market where clubs are ready to pay and sometimes overpay for their targets, the above transfer seems to be quite legitimate and normal.
Plus, Manchester City has never been afraid by big money price tags and this case seems to be no different, seeing the quality that they would rope in.
Nonetheless, the Citizens would be drooling to have the talisman in their Sky Blue colours.
