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Manchester City linked with 20-year-old Spanish leftback

By Taras Tataryn

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 22: Aaron Martin of RCD Espanyol runs for the ball during the La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Cornella - El Prat stadium on April 22, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 22: Aaron Martin of RCD Espanyol runs for the ball during the La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Cornella - El Prat stadium on April 22, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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A completely new player has been linked with Manchester City the past couple of days as Pep continues his search for another full-back.

Leroy Sane’s performance against Everton for Manchester City this past Monday may have influenced Pep to intensify his search for another full-back. Additionally, with Kyle Walker out, we really only have one full-back available unless Mendy stays totally fit.

Moreover, Mendy has a proven track record of being injury-prone, so having a back-up left-back will be crucial for us. If Aaron Martin is able to live up to his hype and performances in the La Liga, he could be a great additional squad player.

While City fans may have just now started to research and discover about Aaron Martin, Pep has reportedly wanted him for a couple of months now. Best to keep a player like this under wraps to get for a lower price? Who knows.

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A little about Aaron Martin. He just last October made his debut for the senior side at Espanyol in La Liga Santander as a left-back. He made 30 appearances after having a solid debut against Villareal and helped lead Espanyol to an 8th place finish in a increasingly competitive mid-table of the La Liga.

What’s even better is Martin is only 20 years old. His performances this past season has even alerted the likes of United, Real Madrid, and other big-name suitors. Clearly, his name has drawn some attention, but City look to be the only one interested at the moment. If this is true, it would be a great signing. From what I have watched and read, Martin is incredibly comfortable in possession, is very pacey, is not afraid to take on opposition defenders and get forward, also can whip in a deadly cross, and is very adept at tackling.

Statistics: 

  • Successful Take Ons (Per 90 mins) = 1.32, Mendy = 1.62, Alba = .32
  • Pass Completion (Per 90 mins) = 77%, Mendy = 78%, Alba = 89%
  • Tackles Won (Per 90 mins) = 1.7, Mendy = 1.75, Alba = 1.14
  • Chances Created (Per 90 mins) = .77, Mendy = 1.09, Alba = 1.05

I created a Squawka Comparison Matrix, mainly to compare Martin to our existing left-back (and old — Clichy), as well as to compare to a higher-level club like Barcelona’s left-back in Jordi Alba. Considering Martin is at least 3 years younger than these other three and is playing on a far less superior team, statistically he has done quite well.

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Per 90 mins, he completes around 1.32 successful take-ons, surely something Pep likes to see, while also clearly being solid in possession, and winning a high number of tackles per 90 mins.

As a squad player, Martin could be transformed into a very effective and efficient full-back/wingback at City. He fits the mould of a Pep full-back, and we have definitely seen the difference of having an upgrade in this position. Martin’s got potential and could definitely play a big role at City if he is to join this season.

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