Roberto Mancini’s cunning signing of Gael Clichy proved to be one of the revelations of last season and the quicksilver full back’s star continues to rise…
The capture of the eloquent 26 year old from Arsenal last summer proved to be an absolute steal at £7 million as the Frenchman’s storming overlapping runs and Premier League title chasing defensive savvy played a key role in City’s stunning campaign.
It’s clear that Clichy, not unlike many of his colleagues at City is approaching the peak of his powers with plenty more miles to go on the clock, benefitting from the fierce team spirit Mancio has instilled in his squad.
In France’s friendly win over Serbia last night, he was outstanding and played his football on a different level to that of the deposed Patrice Evra who was woeful against Iceland a few days earlier.
French team manager Laurent Blanc remarked ahead of Clichy’s fine performance:
‘Gael Clichy has shown amazing form. He has played very well and, having won the Premier League with Manchester City, he is in a very positive frame of mind.’
The almost unanimous view in la Republique is that Clichy should start at left back for France at Euro 2012. England’s right back in particular could be in for a torrid time.
TOGETHER
UPCOMING FIXTURES:
all times East Manchester
Fri 27 July Arsenal, Birds Nest Stadium, Beijing, Friendly
Su 12 August, Chelsea, Villa Park, Community Shield
Sa 18 August, To Be Confirmed, PL
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES:
The 2012/13 Premier League season will kick off on Saturday, 18th August 2012. The Fixtures will be announced on Monday, 18th June, with the first set of television picks selected approximately 2-3 weeks later.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES:
The draw for the 2012/13 Champions League Group Stage will take place in Monaco on Thursday, 30th August. The opening round of games will kick off in the week commencing Monday, 17th September.
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