Manchester City’s first port of call this summer will be at right-back.
The Cityzens have muddled through with Matheus Nunes in the role over recent months. The Portugal international hasn’t exactly disappointed at right-back. Rather, the midfielder-by-trade has probably performed above expectations. Yet a team of City’s calibre needs a specialist in each role, and right-back is no exception.
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Unsurprisingly, City have been linked with a couple of players to play the role next season. The stand outs are Premier League pair Michael Kayode and Tino Livramento of Brentford and Newcastle, respectively. Either would fit the bill at the Etihad Stadium.
Kayode has proven a revelation for the Bees since joining from Fiorentina, initially on loan last January, before the move was made permanent in May. Brentford have made an impressive start to life under Keith Andrews. Indeed, they sit fifth in the Premier League following a six-game unbeaten run, during which they have won four.
And Kayode as been a key player in their rise under Andrews. The Italian youngster is willing to get forward at the first possible opportunity. 31 completed take ons is more than any other defender, and the eighth most overall. The 21-year-old is a powerful runner when he gets going.
Kayode, Livramento and Nunes compared
The Bees man would offer another dimension to this City side should they seek to stretch opponents from deep. This is evident in that Nunes by comparison is completing one take on per 90, a dip in Kayode’s return of 1.6. The latter also boasts the superior, albeit negligibly, success rate (58.59% to 57.14%). For comparison’s sake, Livramento is completing 0.9 take ons per 90 with a success rate of 41.67%.
Now, both Brentford and City implement different gameplans, which means Kayode has more space than Nunes to maximise this side to his game. Brentford average 46% possession to City’s 58.9%. Nunes also operates higher up the pitch than Kayode, which enables the City man to play his part in the Cityzens’ dominance.
As one might expect, Nunes is averaging 71.3 passes per 90 in the Premier League this season. That return blows both Livramento (44.7) and Kayode (31.6) out of the water. What is notable, however, is that of the three right-backs, it’s Kayode who is creating the most chances per 90 (1.1).
Kayode’s secret weapon
Saying that, this shouldn’t come as a shock. Kayode’s chances don’t come with the ball at his feet, but rather the ball in his hands. With the increased importance on long throws, Kayode’s ability to launch the ball into the box is enough to make even Rory Delap jealous.
Kayode does, after all, boast the longest average throw distance, at 33.2m. Just like Stoke back in the day, a throw in is more effective than a corner for the Bees. Brentford have maximised this quality to Kayode’s game to great effect this season. Now just imagine the young defender launching the ball towards the likes of Erling Haaland and co.
That’s not to criticise Nunes or Livramento, neither of whom have had the luxury of working with Brentford’s throw in coach. However, a right-back of Kayode’s style would add another weapon to City’s attack. Another avenue for the Manchester giants to put teams to the sword.
And with Kayode proving his suitability for the Premier League, it makes sense for City to prioritise the Brentford man over Livramento. The likelihood is that the former would be cheaper than the latter, and has proven both on and off the ball to be the superior full-back.
Brentford star the ideal right-back for Guardiola
What’s vital, though, is that City do actually delve into the market for a new right-back in the off-season. While Nunes has proven a handy stop-gap, he’s merely been papering over the cracks at the Etihad Stadium. Signing a specialist right-back would allow Nunes to operate in his more familiar central midfield role and give City greater balance in defence.
In addition, he suits the needs of a Pep Guardiola full-back. Kayode is a powerhouse defender who has scope to develop tactically under the Spaniard. With the Premier League experience under his belt, Kayode wouldn’t need an adaptation period, which would suit City and Guardiola.
Brentford would be reluctant to sell Kayode, who is contracted to the Gtech Community Stadium until 2030. With no pressure to cash in on one of their star performers, City would need to spend big to prise Kayode away from west London.
However, he’d be worth the fee. Kayode doesn’t turn 22 until July and quickly adapted to the rigours of English football. Managerial change didn’t alter his upward trajectory, and this ability to maintain his development in a new country under a new manager is an appealing trait.
So, while Livramento is a top quality full-back, and Nunes has shone at right-back, Kayode is the player City should be targeting in the summer in their defender pursuit.
