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Manchester City: Should they leave or should they stay?

By Kee Min

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Claudio Bravo of Manchester City celebrates his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Hull City at Etihad Stadium on April 8, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Claudio Bravo of Manchester City celebrates his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Hull City at Etihad Stadium on April 8, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Nicolas Otamendi

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Nicolas Otamendi of Manchester City celebrates scoring his sides fifth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Nicolas Otamendi of Manchester City celebrates scoring his sides fifth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) /

Analysis

Nicolas Otamendi may be the most polarizing player in Man City squad. Some people revere him as a rock in the defense alongside Vincent Kompany. The Argentine made 2.3 tackles per game and 2.7 interceptions per game, both ranking very highly in the Premier League. Moreover, he is second in the league in average passes for centrebacks, reinforcing Pep’s theme of possession football. Others point at his continuous lapses of concentration throughout the season. His strengths are often similar to those of Kompany’s as well. The likes of John Stones also need game time for him to develop.

With Tosin Adarabioyo signing a new contract and rumors of new centre-backs coming in, Otamendi is reportedly feeling like an odd man out. Real Madrid is looking to bring him in as a replacement for Pepe, and Man City can sell if approached with a decent offer.

Verdict: KEEP

The rumors of Nicolas Otamendi leaving Manchester is silly. The Argentine should anchor the backline with the captain while the young Stones and Adarabioyo get ready to take over the duo. The stats show that he is a solid defender, and I wholeheartedly agree.