#SheikhScouts: Rebuilding a Midfield Engine

Almost at the midway point of the 24-25 season, it has become glaringly evident that our midfield is quite literally on its last legs. With Rodri, City’s all-world Ballon D’or winner sidelined until next season, KDB at the tail end of his career, Bernardo and Ilkay Gundogan past their best, Kovacic a veteran journeyman, and Matheus Nunes not exactly fully trusted, Pep Guardiola is almost certain to scour the market in upcoming windows for suitable reinforcements. But for a club that has somehow managed to say goodbye, survive, and thrive after the departures of midfield legends like Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, and more, this will be a crucial and exciting time for the club as it looks to maintain the quality of the engine room that has powered the sky blue side of Manchester to an unprecedented run of trophies and glory. 

Recently, we’ve been linked to players like Ricci, Zubimendi, Ederson, Wharton, Reijndeers, and Hjulmand, clearly signaling the type of player we’re in need of. With Archie Gray and Joao Neves both off the market, I’ve dug deeper into some “under the radar” prospects that might not be quite as well-known. Specifically, U-23 players suited for the 8/6 role, not necessarily a Rodri replacement, but a Rodri supplement. Players that wouldn’t be stopgap solutions but long term investments, can contribute now, grow with the team, and won’t necessarily be relegated to the bench upon his return. Here are four players that caught my eye: 

Nico Gonzalez (Porto) 22 y/o:

After rising through the ranks at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, González was widely hyped as “the next Busquets.” At 6”2, his imposing size, passing range, and defensive awareness drew immediate comparisons to the Spanish legend before he made the move to Porto to gain valuable first-team experience, continuing his development as a well-rounded midfielder. 

His strengths lie in his ability to control the tempo of the game, his defensive awareness, and his versatility in midfield roles. He can execute a wide array of his passes and while not fully ambipedal, is capable of using either foot to execute simple passes with proper weight and timing. As expected of a Barcelona product, his technical ability is excellent, ball control elite, even in tight spaces, which is critical for a player in his position. Nico is cool and composed under pressure, allowing him to make simple yet effective plays that maintain the balance in midfield. 

At Porto, Nico has flourished in a variety of roles including as a deep-lying playmaker, central midfielder, or box-to-box player. This season, he’s operated as part of a double pivot, a #10, and as an advanced #8. This flexibility allows him to adapt to different tactical systems and assignments, which would be crucial to play in a Guardiola midfield. For his age, his understanding of the game and ability to read the play is already at a high level, which should allow him to continue maturing into a well-rounded midfielder with both defensive and creative responsibilities.

However, despite his size, he is not a bruiser or an overly physical player. I’d like to see him learn to use his size more effectively in spots where he shouldn’t be losing duels or possession. Lower body strength isn’t bad but not used efficiently at times. 

Reports have stated that Barcelona retain a 30m buyback clause that expires at the end of the season and a 60m release clause is available for other clubs interested. 

Andrey Santos (Strasbourg, on loan from Chelsea) 20 y/o:

A Brazilian midfielder currently shining as one of the best players in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg on loan from Chelsea, Santos combines excellent technical skill with physical presence, and his tactical awareness allows him to play in a variety of midfield roles. During the 2022 season, he became Vasco’s youngest-ever goalscorer and played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to Série A, contributing eight goals in 33 appearances. He’s the shortest of the midfielders i’ve listed here at 5”10. However, what he lacks in height is more than made up for in tenacity and intensity. Santos, for lack of a better term, is a player I classify as a “dawg.” He is everywhere, involved in everything, and the combination of skill and power is simply a joy to watch at times as he dominates his opponents in various ways. 

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more aptly described “box-to-box midfielder,” capable of impacting the game both defensively and offensively. Santos is incredibly well-rounded with an elite level of skill combined with an equally elite level of athleticism and pure physical ability. Workrate off the charts, dominant in the air, decisive in the tackle, a nose (and cannon) for goal, and explosive in his movements. Where he shines most is in the transition phases, where he can quite literally do it all himself: win the ball, drive up the pitch, find the pass or score the goal. He ranks highly in both ball progression and ball recovery, further highlighting his ability to impact all phases of midfield play. 

As crazy as it is to say, I don’t see any significant weaknesses in Santos’ game. For City, I see him as a player who can play with Rodri (or anyone else) in a double pivot, deputize as a solo #6 (think Kovacic), or step into Gundo’s role as a box crashing midfielder. He is a hybrid of all of our midfielders with a freakish physical ceiling that surpasses all of them. 

Questions may be asked of how his play would translate from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, but I do not see that as a significant factor. I understand people will say “Chelsea will never sell.” However, with their crowded engine room, dodgy need to balance the books, and our relatively healthy history of doing business, I believe a deal could and should be done for someone I see as one of the finest midfield prospects in the world. Chelsea purchased him for 22m and as of October 2024, his current market value on transfermarkt is listed at 18m. 

Hugo Larsson (Eintracht Frankfurt) 20 y/o:

Hugo Larsson is one of my favorite prospects in world football. Ironically compared to Rodri in the official Bundesliga website, the Swede is comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker or a box to box midfielder. However, Larsson’s future is likely as an 8 in a double pivot next to a proper defensive midfielder (and we have the best in the world). This is not to say he lacks talent but moreso that his skillset is quite well defined for his role at his age, which should be seen as a good thing.

Larsson is deceptively athletic. While he isn’t a particularly aggressive tackler, his high motor, long limbs and flexibility allow him to be in the right positions to make interceptions in otherwise precarious situations. Good burst for his size and impressive top speed. Once he gets going, he’s difficult to catch. At 6”2, his long strides and considerable frame make him a difficult player to muscle off the ball. He is composed in possession and routinely displays a high level of technical ability to evade the press. 

Loves to play quick passes and displays above average awareness and intelligence to find the right positions as a outlet for his teammates. Great stamina and engine and while not elite, developing and capable passer and playmaker. 

That said, Larsson lacks in the final third. He doesn’t quite see the final pass well and his technique on his shots is lacking. He needs to be more assertive on the defensive end as well, often times too timid and perhaps slender to offer a significant physical challenge. This is why at the moment, he can’t be seen as a true option as an advanced playmaker or a traditional #6. In both areas, would need him to play with more proactivity and assertiveness to truly shine. As of May 2024, his value is listed as 28m on transfermarkt.

Mathias Delorge (Gent) 19 y/o:

The youngest and probably the most raw of the midfielders mentioned, Mathias Delorge would be a “prospect” signing although he plays with maturity beyond his years. The only predominantly left-footed midfielder in this list, I see the Belgian as the most natural playmaker in this list. He is a creative player by nature with the ability to play a multitude of pinpoint accurate passes from most ranges effectively. 

At the moment, he is best suited as an advanced eight where his progressive passing, technical ability in tight spaces, and relentless forward pressing can be used. He thrives in the build-up and reads the game at a high level, capable of shifting the play into dangerous positions. He also routinely displays a willingness to track back and put in the yards on defense. Like Larsson, he is tall, long, and uses his body well to shield the ball in possession. 

While there is plenty to like, there is also plenty to improve on. 

Moreso than the others, Delorge lacks physical strength. This is to be expected considering he’s the youngest of the group. Defensively, he leaves a bit to be desired. While his high motor is perfect for the forward press, he lacks awareness and patience as a holding midfielder. His lack of top level experience shows in his lack of defensive discipline and decision-making, often missing the timing on his tackles and being caught out of transition. A high base skillset but in need of proper coaching and refinement to unlock his true potential and best position. Is he an #8 or a #10? With some time, a #6? It remains to be seen but his ceiling is astronomically high. As of October 2024, his value is listed as 7.5m on transfermarkt. 

What do you think? Are there any other hidden gem midfielders you think we should be keeping our eyes on?

Honorable mentions: Sudakov, Sucic, Guerra, Cardoso, Bouaddi

Written by: SHEIKH