Man City signs Daniel Alves: A dark move by Pep Guardiola?

(Baonghean.vn) - According to information from several reputable European newspapers, Juventus right-back Daniel Alves will be moving to Manchester City in the coming days. This decision by coach Pep Guardiola seems somewhat puzzling.

After a trophyless season at the Etihad Stadium, the Spanish strategist quickly implemented what is considered one of the most extensive personnel changes in Manchester City's history. Aside from the striker position, where Pep Guardiola can rest assured with the Aguero-Jesus partnership, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has completely revamped the entire midfield, from goalkeeper and defenders to midfielders.

Those who didn't prove themselves much last season were ruthlessly pushed out. Zabaleta, Navas, Sagna, Nolito, Kolarov, Clichy... will have to leave Manchester to find new opportunities.

With many leaving, many more arrive, and the Etihad Stadium has continuously welcomed a stream of stars. Replacing goalkeepers Bravo and Caballero was Ederson, bought from Benfica for a record-breaking £35 million, making the 23-year-old goalkeeper the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, surpassing even Neuer and Buffon (as of that time).

To build a midfield that fits Pep Guardiola's philosophy, Bernardo Silva immediately moved to the Etihad Stadium, and £43 million went in the opposite direction to Monaco.

Daniel Alves is on his way to the Etihad Stadium to play for Manchester City next season. Photo: Internet

Those additions are perfectly logical, although the extent of Ederson and Bernardo Silva's potential for success remains to be seen; only time will tell.

Admittedly, Pep Guardiola and the Man City board's swift transfer dealings before the 2017 summer transfer window even began demonstrated that the Etihad Stadium club did not want to be in a situation where they had to compete with other big clubs like Real Madrid or Manchester United, risking losing their desired players to others.

Manchester City's transfer plans would be unremarkable if it weren't for the name Daniel Alves. Given the recent developments surrounding the relationship between Man City and the Brazilian defender, it seems almost certain that the Etihad Stadium is the next destination in Daniel Alves' career.

This was a rather surprising decision from both sides, especially Man City. It's hard to understand why Pep Guardiola would accept the option of replacing an "old man" - Zabaleta (1985) - with another "old man" - Daniel Alves (1983).

Undeniably, the former Barcelona player is one of the best right-backs in the world in recent years. His time playing for Sevilla, Barcelona, ​​the Brazilian national team, and last season with Juventus proves that.

However, Daniel Alves is 34 years old this year, a twilight age for most footballers. Don't forget, the full-back position always demands players with abundant energy, capable of relentlessly attacking and defending throughout the entire match. Especially in teams managed by Pep Guardiola, who place great importance on their two full-backs.

Coach Pep Guardiola is highly regarded for his ability to buy and sell players. Photo: Internet

In terms of attack, Daniel Alves still possesses some degree of effectiveness, but his defensive capabilities are truly unbelievable. Even at his peak, the defender born in 1983 was not highly regarded for his solidity.

Being too eager to attack will create huge gaps behind him, and with his fitness no longer what it used to be, Daniel Alves will struggle to retreat in time to defend against the opponent's counter-attacks. And the pace of play in the Premier League is incredibly fast, needless to say.

In short, signing Daniel Alves was a poor move by manager Pep Guardiola. Bravo's "disaster" last season is likely to be repeated with Daniel Alves in the 2017/2018 season.

Thanh Hung