It has been an excellent start for two of Manchester City’s marquee January signings. Omar Marmoush was one of the blockbuster moves across Europe in the winter window, and he became a Citizens hero at the weekend against Newcastle United with a hattrick in the first half, helping his side to a 4-0 win.

It was also a brilliant performance from new midfielder Nico Gonzalez. Essentially signed as a replacement for injured midfielder Rodri, Pep Guardiola could not have been happier with the La Masia graduate’s performance. He described the Spaniard as a “mini Rodri”, which is high praise indeed.

City also signed two new defenders, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, who have been eased into action by Guardiola.

Khusanov and Reis’ City career so far

There is certainly an argument to be made that the two defensive signings by City in January were investments for the future as much as they are for the present. However, it was a baptism of fire for Khusanov on his City debut.

He played 54 minutes against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side, and was at fault for a goal just a couple of minutes into the game, misplacing a headed backpass to Ederson which Chelsea pounced on.

However, he has bounced back well, making a total of three appearances and even getting on the scoresheet in the FA Cup, although it was a slightly lucky goal, with Rico Lewis’ shot deflecting in off him.

In The Pipeline

It has been an easier start for Reis, who, at 19 years of age, is slightly less experienced than the 20-year-old Khusanov. He has made just one City appearance so far, which came against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, and he’s been an unused substitute in the Premier League.

Guardiola was very complimentary of the Brazilian, describing him as a “very exciting” player upon signing him from Palmeiras. They are certainly both signings with the future in mind, and an example of good planning from City.

However, perhaps they were not additions that were needed, given some of the talent in the City academy. In particular, there is an exciting defensive talent Guardiola could call upon.

The talented defender in City’s academy

One of the best up-and-coming prospects in City’s academy is centre-back Stephen Mfuni. The 17-year-old, who has made a real impression this season, is able to play both centre-back and left-back.

This has led to football analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as the “academy version [Josko] Gvardiol”. The Croatian star – who cost £77.6m back in the summer of 2023 – has been a shining light this season in both the centre of defence and at full-back, having chipped in with five goals in all competitions.

As for Mfuni, who was born in Wigan, not too far from Manchester, the teen starlet has played in several competitions across City’s academy this term, making a total of 18 appearances. In that time, he has even managed to further emulate Gvardiol by getting his name on the scoresheet twice.

One of the competitions in which Mfuni has really impressed is in the UEFA Youth League. The 17-year-old has been a key part of City’s side which has reached the Round of 16, starting all but one of their games, a 4-2 defeat to Italian side Inter.

Perhaps Mfuni’s best game in the UEFA Youth League came against Slovan Bratislava of Slovakia. He showcased his elite progression on the ball and his impressive ability without it.

As per Sofascore, the defender completed 86% of his passes and won seven from seven duels.

Stat

Number

Touches

98

Pass accuracy

86%

Passes completed

76/88

Ground duels won

6/6

Aerial duels won

1/1

Long balls completed

5/10

Dribbles completed

3/3

There is certainly lots of talent in the City academy, although Mfuni might be the best of the bunch when it comes to defenders. At only 17 years of age, he is also an investment for the future.

Perhaps Guardiola did not need to sign Khusanov and Reis, and instead could have backed the Wigan-born defender in the first team. Who knows, he could have the next Gvardiol on his hands.

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