According to a recent report from Italian news outlet fcinternews.it, Man City’s imminent signing of Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake could spell the end of our interest in Serie A colossus Milan Skriniar – but Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain should avoid that eventuality at all costs.
Linked with a host of defenders this season, including the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Diego Carlos and David Alaba, our alleged past interest in Skriniar has flew under the radar by comparison in recent weeks.
Arch rivals Man United have been more recently touted with a move for the Slovakian, but his outstanding attributes and somewhat meagre price suggest that City should rejoin the queue.
The ideal centre-back?
City are in the market for new defenders, again, for many reasons – among them being how unreliable John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have proved to be over 2019/2020.
Fernandinho’s absence protecting the back four and Aymeric Laporte’s injury troubles also haven’t helped, but the good news for City supporters is the impending acquisition of Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.
There are arguments against the signing, but Ake represents one option out of many, including Skriniar.
According to WhoScored, the 25-year-old has averaged an impressive 92% pass accuracy out from the back and stands at a lofty 6ft 2 – potentially enticing qualities for Guardiola.
Valued at £43.2 million by Transfermarkt, Skriniar could also sign at nearly half the cost when compared to the likes of Koulibaly – and at a younger age.
What the pundits say…
Skriniar has no shortage of admirers, with Lazio defender and international teammate Denis Vavro telling Corriere dello Sport via fcinternews that he is a great player.
“Skriniar is the best,” Vavro explained.
“I spoke to him before coming and he explained how Italian football is different to football in Denmark. It’s faster and you play with lots of short passes.”
Meanwhile, ex-Premier League striker Paolo Di Canio suggests that while he is ‘excellent’, there are also aspects of his game that need slight improvement.
“Skriniar is good, he’s excellent at man-marking, being close to his opponent and keeping the pressure on,” explained Di Canio on Sky Sports Italia via Football Italia.
“However, when the opponent is at a distance, he doesn’t know what to do. He gets confused.”
The final verdict…
While there are some slight weaknesses in his game, the more stand-out attributes arguably point towards a bargain defensive signing.