The arrival of Sergio Aguero is guaranteed, meaning there is now another intriguing subplot in the soap opera that is Man City. His arrival could have numerous ramifications for the club and not all of them necessarily good.
Firstly, Aguero coming could be interpreted as the clearest indication that Man City have truly come into the big time. Tevez arrival was huge but they were helped by his acrimonious falling out with Fergie, and in David Silva’s case Valencia were desperate to sell.
In Aguero they have acquired a player coveted around Europe, a player that Real Madrid and Chelsea were in the market for, a player who has been regarded as one of the finest young talents in the world for years now. The fact he is now coming to Manchester means the club and their fans are entitled to feel they can truly attract the highest calibre of player no matter which giant wants them.
So what now for Tevez? He has tried his utmost to force a move away from City but to no avail. Aguero coming could tempt City to lower their asking price for their captain thus making it easier for him to leave, although much seem to depend on Sneidjer coming to United.
If Tevez were to stay then it will be interesting how he could play with Aguero, for the former Atletico man will be a guaranteed starter. Could the two even be compatible in the same team? If Aguero were an instant hit then it is feasible he could replace Tevez as the team’s talisman and one wonders how Tevez feels at the thought of such a prospect. Of course it is possible, the two Argentineans could strike up a devastating partnership, but the evidence of them playing together for the Albiceleste does not bode well.
What about the effect Kun’s arrival could have on Citys other strikers? Mario Balotelli, another of the club’s main protagonists was afforded plenty of playing time last season despite his shenanigans because Tevez was the only reliable striker. Mancini kept faith in his him because of his undoubted talent, but Aguero’s presence means he will be disinclined to put up with his antics.
Balotelli could find himself frozen out if he doesn’t learn to curb his fiery temper. Aguero’s arrival could be the incentive the enigmatic Italian needs to prove to everyone what he is truly capable of. Dzeko will automatically be pushed further down the pecking order and it is possible he too might be inspired to excel but he will find it extremely difficult to become a regular starter. Even at this early stage the Bosnian is on borrowed time.
Many of the other squad members who already have limited playing time will see regular action further reduced and they may feel the time has come to move on and seek pastures new. They might not have a choice as the owners may feel they are now disposable assets.
What is now expected of Mancini? The Italian was lambasted in sections of the media for not making a better fist of the title last season, Aguero’s arrival will only increase the expectations a few notches. The owners will expect at the very least for City to come close to the title and to have a good run in the Champions League, and even then it may not be enough for Mancini to keep his job. Mancini has been under pressure from the moment he came so this is nothing new to him, but the margin for error will be as small as it has ever been.
Finally what does this mean for Kun? Aguero is player who shares many of the same qualities as Luis Suarez, if he can have the same impact the Uruguayan has had on the premiership then City fans can look forward to a lot of joy next year. As expected with any big money signing there will be pressure on Aguero to perform from the outset. He has long outgrown Atletico and many expected him to make the step up earlier than he has. This is the opportunity he has been waiting for to truly establish himself among the world’s elite, a place many have thought he was guaranteed to reach since he 16. It is an opportunity he must grab with both hands.
Aguero’s arrival means everyone involved with City have extra reason to be excited about next season, the Argentine will add that extra bit of intrigue and spice to a season which will be filled with twists and turns.
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