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City Transfer Target Evaluation — Part 2 (Left-Back)

By Taras Tataryn

Mendy has really made a name for himself following some great Champions League performances. One performance in particular comes to mind...
Mendy has really made a name for himself following some great Champions League performances. One performance in particular comes to mind... /
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Danny Rose: Tottenham (English international)

Rating: 8.5/10

Likelihood: 3/5

Rose put in a solid performance up against City and Sterling back in January.
Rose put in a solid performance up against City and Sterling back in January. /

I really like Danny Rose. Having started his career at Leeds United, Rose eventually landed a spot on the Spurs’ first team in 2013 but really broke through in the 2014-2015 season.

Having signed a new contract in early September of 2016, signing Rose will prove to be mightily difficult (ESPN FC). However, there is always the release clause we can trigger.

Rose, unfortunately, suffered a major injury setback, so he missed a majority of the season. Despite this, he still remains a hot left-back target for Man City. Back in March, Manchester Evening News reported that we were confident we would land Danny Rose and that Luke Shaw would be the young Englishman’s replacement. At the moment I’m not sure any club is confident enough to sign Shaw… way too injury prone.

Rose is another fantastic candidate as a potential summer signing. Rose is very strong on the ball — he very much likes to dribble and take on opponents and is a great passer of the ball. Moreover, on the defensive side of things, he is consistently great. He boasts great tackling numbers that add up to an altogether solid defensive ability. Sane and Sterling, in particular, struggled immensely in the game against Tottenham.

Rating Evaluation: 

Rose deserves to be the starting left-back for the Three Lions as he, at the moment, is the most talented English left-back. While he is 26, we are definitely yet to see the best of Danny Rose. Hopefully, once he fully recuperates, he will come back full strength and continue to develop into the talent he is and can be.

Looking at this comparison matrix (Squawka), Rose is behind in most defensive statistical categories. But in my opinion, he offers something totally different. Also, keep in mind some of these stats can be skewed as the Premier league’s competition is far superior. With all that being said, Rose would still be a great signing.

Likelihood: 

Fortunately, Tottenham has a capable replacement in Ben Davies. With the former Swansea standout at left-back, City could definitely sign Danny Rose. He would add to our homegrown quota and give Sterling/Sane great options going forward and provide integral support to our back line.

Strengths: 

  • Dribbling and take-ons
  • Pace
  • Defensive Contribution — tackling and interceptions
  • Work Rate

Weaknesses:

  • Fouls often
  • Lacks height to win aerial duels