The annual Manchester City squad restructuring program shows no sign as the club sealed the signing of left-back Aleksander Kolarov from Lazio for a reported £19m last month. The Serbian international joins up at Eastlands on a five year contract and takes the club’s spending this summer pay the £75m mark as, with every new arrival, they look increasingly likely to not only grab an all-important Champions League place, but have a decent shot at taking the title.
Roberto Mancini is a big fan of the 24 year old, declaring upon his capture:
“I first saw Kolarov in his Lazio debut back in 2007. I have watched him a lot since then and so have the Manchester City scouts. His attacking capability is very good. He is fast and can shoot with power and accuracy. He also has the ability to play in numerous positions and is very good in midfield. This is an additional benefit to the team.”
Despite being chased by several top clubs, Kolarov’s decision to opt for Eastlands is indicative of City’s profile continuing to increase as a result of their money-no-object relentless pursuit of success.
The Statistics
Opinion…
Andy
“Much like probable right-back Jerome Boateng, I like the idea of a £6m defender at one of the top clubs -which City have paid the coin to become- but this is an all new back four, so will need time to settle.
Add in Mancini’s sentiments of wanting two top quality left-backs, and I fear Kolarov will play the important (read: tougher) fixtures leaving Bridge to mop up the easier games – the ones ideally I’d want Kolarov in.”
Kolarov began his first team career as an 18 year old in his native country, playing for a couple of teams with stats of 82 games and 7 goals. At the age of 21, he was snapped up by Lazio for just 800,000 Euros and for the past three seasons, played 82 times for the Serie A club, grabbing 6 goals and 6 assists.
Kolarov has turned out 15 times for his country, failing to score as of yet. He was also a key member of the Serbian U21 side that reached the final of the U21 European Championships back in 2007.
The Prospects
Rather than having to fashion a team around the players at hand, Roberto Mancini -thanks to the money of Sheikh Mansour- is a manager in the enviable position of being able to build a team in accordance to his own tastes, in a project that’s becoming more like a budget-free Fantasy Football experiment with every passing transfer. The City boss explained his thinking recently, saying:
“We want to make progress in as many competitions as possible and that will mean playing a lot on a Thursday night. You cannot play in the Premier League on a Saturday, then in Europe on a Thursday before coming back on Friday and be properly ready in two days for a Sunday game…That is why it is important to have an experienced squad with many good players in it. Of course every player wants to start every match, that is natural and I was the same, but it is not possible. Some players may have to change their mentality. They will have to accept that and understand that sometimes it is best to rest.”
Whilst this policy may keep the Man City players fresh, it unfortunately makes the majority of their players nothing more than a source of frustration for Fantasy managers. Mancini also moved to dispel theories suggesting the arrival of Kolarov put a question mark against Wayne Bridge’s future at the club, announcing:
“We need two quality players in every position. The left-backs will be Kolarov and Bridge.”
This horses-for-courses scenario, with Kolarov undoubtedly the number one pick, possibly hints at Bridge could be used for the “easier” post-European league games, allowing Kolarov recuperation time from his exertions.
Having completed the move, the new boy seemed delighted with the prospect of turning out at Eastlands this upcoming season:
“I’m very excited to be here at a great club like Manchester City.When I spoke with Mr Mancini, my choice was Manchester City because I know they are a good team. I think maybe a great team. The Premier League is the best league on the world and he wants us to go further and win the title and the Champions League. For a young player like me, this is the best opportunity. It’s the dream.”
Although Kolarov’s goals-per-game record is not particularly outstanding, he does have a penchant for the spectacular goal, and bearing in mind he also takes a mean free-kick, could definitely grab three or four in the upcoming season.
The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has priced him at £6.0m, which, given that there are so many cheaper (and proven Premier League) defenders on offer, will no doubt deter the majority of Fantasy managers, particularly if Mancini’s above-mentioned rotation policy becomes a reality.