Dani Alves is a perfect signing for Manchester City

CARDIFF, WALES – JUNE 03: Dani Alves of Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF compete for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and Real Madrid at National Stadium of Wales on June 3, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna is no longer part of Manchester City, leaving a gap at a right-back position. With no clear in-house option available at the moment, Dani Alves can bridge the gap between the old and the young.

Dani Alves is rumored to be heading to Manchester, according to City Watch. The transfer seems to be in City’s hand, as it would only take about £5m bid to lure in the Brazilian fullback from Juventus.

At a glance, this deal seems like an unnecessary risk. As great as Alves has been for Barcelona, it is hard to sustain such high level of play at the age of 34. The Brazilian also broke his leg during the season, which only adds concerns to his broken down body. Even for a cheap bargain, is Alves really worth a risk?

However, this is more than that. While Dani Alves may be old and oft-injured, he is still a quality player. He started the Champions League Final for Juventus against Real Madrid and often featured in marquee matches throughout the season. His rampaging runs down the right-hand side have not gone anywhere. His crosses are always dangerous. He is a brilliant passer of the ball, whether it is recycling and keeping possession or sending a killer ball for the forwards. Perhaps most importantly, Dani Alves has played in Pep’s system.

The storyline of this season was exactly that – the system. Many considered this season’s main goal as adapting Pep’s system rather than immediate success. As the season went on, the fans witnessed the change in the team. Dani Alves already played under Guardiola for many years, and he can help the young guys get more acclimated to the system.

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His age is also an asset. He has the experience to spread all across this young team. While the defensive side of the ball is a bit old, someone like John Stones can always use a grizzled vet by his side. Along with experience, the Brazilian will bring a winner’s mentality. This is a player that is used to winning trophies and having success in Europe. While Manchester City has been a very successful club, they lack the extra something that pushed them through the glass ceiling. Alves can be the catalyst that can change everything.

Also, his age means he will not get in the way of Pablo Maffeo. The young right-back has spent a year in Spain on loan, gaining valuable first-team experiences. However, he has to in the first team at some point and Dani Alves will only help him get there. Thanks to his age, the Brazilian will not be around long enough to hold the 19-year old down. In fact, he can take him under the wing and help him develop into a first team player. It will also send the message to the rest of the youth system that the management has fate in them

There are sexier, more expensive transfers that Man City can pull off. The likes of Kyle Walker and Djibril Sidibe have been linked with the Citizens for a while, and they are younger and more exciting than grizzled Dani Alves. However, with all things considered and looking into the future of the club, Dani Alves makes the most sense.

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