Sheikh Scouts: Marcus Edwards

With the transfer window open and rumors floating around, we are launching a new series called #SheikhScouts, a simply weekly feature in which Sheikh dissects some targets he is intrigued by. It’s important to note that these features are purely speculation and the targets to be mentioned won’t necessarily be linked with the club. 

Recent reports have stated that City are in the market for a right winger, which comes as no surprise. With Mahrez aging, Foden’s future in midfield, and Bernardo a jack of all trades, reinforcements are clearly needed. Winger is a tricky position in a Pep Guardiola system and one that has arguably been the most scrutinized during his stay at City. It’s why i’ve found it complicated to gauge who would be the right targets. It’s not solely about ability in this system as it is about fit. 

Some popular names seem to be Olisé and Kulusevski. But the one player I’ve been keeping a close eye on is Marcus Edwards, currently at Sporting CP, formerly of Tottenham. 

Formerly compared to Messi by Mauricio Pochettino, the 24-year-old inverted winger has the playmaking vision, positional awareness and ability in tight spaces to break down compact defenses and find his teammates in advanced areas. He is your quintessential undersized “Pep player,” using his elusiveness, surprising physical strength, and low center of gravity to make it extremely difficult for defenders to take the ball. 

Like Phil, he was a dynamic #10 at youth levels and his ability to receive the ball on the half turn and instincts in possession show it. He has an abundance of flair and pace and he has improved his end product greatly (even on his weak foot). Technique has never been the issue with him as much as composure, which he appears to have also improved via experience and time. 

Some noticeable weaknesses and concerns are his stature/size and passing accuracy. However, I don’t necessarily see his size as a disadvantage. Rather, I find myself gravitating more towards players who have excellent body control and agility over sheer physical stature, similar to the way that Pep does. And while his passing numbers and accuracy can be better, they seem to be issues that are more a result of the style in which his team plays and the chances he’s expected to create. Minor issues that can be mitigated with the right coach in a system that doesn’t require him to take as many risks. 

This season he has looked physically stronger and more confident, settled, and has stepped up to Champions League football admirably. Even before his dazzling performance against Spurs (playing as a false nine) Edwards scored a brace in Sporting’s 3-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt. As a topping on the cake, Marcus would also contribute to our homegrown quota. At a 52m release clause, I see it as sensible signing in fit, profile, potential and ability.

Written by: Sheikh