Man City Square
Fansided

City Transfer Target Evaluation — Part 3 (Right-Back)

By Taras Tataryn

Pablo Zabaleta, a true Manchester City legend, waves goodbye to City fans at the Etihad for the last time.
Pablo Zabaleta, a true Manchester City legend, waves goodbye to City fans at the Etihad for the last time. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next

Benjamin Henrichs — Bayer Leverkusen (German international)

Rating: 8.5/10

Likelihood: 2/5

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 10: Benjamin Henrichs of Leverkusen controls the ball during the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen at the BayArena stadium in Leverkusen, Germany on March 10, 2017. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 10: Benjamin Henrichs of Leverkusen controls the ball during the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen at the BayArena stadium in Leverkusen, Germany on March 10, 2017. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

One word that Pep Guardiola certainly likes that describes Henrich perfectly. Versatility.

At Bayer Leverkusen, at the youth and senior level, Henrichs has reportedly played in seven different positions (MCFC Watch). Yes, you read that correctly. Pep certainly likes the sound of this. However, as of lately, his main position has been right-back for a strong Bayer Leverkusen side who made a strong challenge in the Champions League.

Moreover, Manchester City need fresh blood in their full-back ranks, and who better to add to our lineup than a young German like Henrichs? At 20 years of age, Henrichs would be a perfect addition to our team and a great replacement for Zabaleta.

In terms of style, unlike Walker, Henrichs is not afraid to go hard into a tackle. Despite his young age and lack of stature like Kyle Walker, like Zabaleta, he displays the knack for toughness and tackling ability that City needs. Similar to Walker, Henrichs also loves to dribble and you will commonly find Henrichs in the opposition’s box. His pace also allows him to recover and step in to make crucial interceptions. Moreover, he also possesses the concentration and confidence on the ball to retain possession. This is crucial in a Guardiola full-back.

Rating Explanation: 

Here is an article from one of our own discussing the potential and quality of Benjamin Henrichs. He certainly has the potential to be a player similar to David Alaba and Phillip Lahm, as his versatility is a huge gift to his abilities. Having already played in a fluid system (Bayer Leverkusen’s), he would be great in a Guardiola system where he would move into the center as an inverted full-back to gather possession and also simply play in other positions. He is already capped internationally and put in a Man of the Match performance against Tottenham in the Champions League this season. Evidently, some of his potentials have already been unlocked. He could definitely be a Lahm-caliber player.

Here are some short clips of Henrichs this past season.

Likelihood: 

Unfortunately, Henrich’s similarity to Lahm and place of birth could also play against City. Bayer Leverkusen will surely do everything they can to retain him, but Bayern Munich have also been heavily linked with the youngster.

Nevertheless, recently it has been reported that Henrichs has signed a two year extension with Leverkusen (ESPN FC). Ugh. This doesn’t necessarily end speculation, but at the moment it doesn’t look like he’ll be a City player this summer.

Strengths:

  • Versatility
  • Pace
  • Dribbling
  • Short passing
  • Tackling
  • Toughness

Weaknesses:

Aerial Duels (lack of physical strength)

Home/Man City News