Will Sergio Gomez make the grade at Manchester City?
After signing from Anderlecht last season, Gomez debut season was a learning experience for the Spanish youngster.
The young Spanish left back made 23 appearances for City in his first season with the club. He was primarily used as a squad player, and most of his appearances came off the bench.
A red card in the Champions League group stage against FC Copenhagen set Gomez back. A poor performance in the Carabao Cup quarter final against Southampton further pushed Gomez down the pecking order at City
Gomez was signed by City as an attacking left back. As last season progressed Guardiola shifted away from full backs to a four centre back formation. This tactical shift didn’t suit the game of City’s young full back.
One possible way into more first team opportunities for Gomez is his versatility. While signed primarily as a left back, he can play on a wing or as a midfielder. The technical ability to play in so many roles is rare in a player.
This versatility has been on show at UEFA under 21 European Championships with Spain. The City has been one of the stars of the tournament primarily playing on the left wing for Spain. He’s contributed 2 goals and 2 assists as Spain have progressed to the semi finals of the competition.
Sergio Gómez at Euro U-21 so far:
3 games
2 goals
2 assists
1.18 xG
0.98 xA
6 key passes
2 big chances created
3 tackles
3 interceptionsThe Leader. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/pEWesO7BzJ
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) July 2, 2023
With Manchester City’s pre season due to start in a couple of weeks time, Gomez will be hoping to carry his international form with him. If it does he will have a platform to build into more first team opportunities.
Talent isn’t the issue with Sergio Gomez, it’s opportunity and whether he can seize it when it comes along.
