The pieces are there to form a devastating attack at Manchester City | OneFootball

After accomplishing their early goal of completing signings ahead of the Club World Cup, there is a refreshing look to the current Manchester City squad. Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Marcus Bettinelli were signed before the transfer window temporarily slammed shut. But looking at the signings of Ait-Nouri, Cherki and Reijnders they do help give Pep Guardiola more weapons to utilise in the final third. When they are added to what Manchester City already have up front, the makings of a devastating attack are there in the Manchester City squad.

The attacking options in the Manchester City squad are versatile and do seem to complement each other.

With the additions of Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, there is a new look to Manchester City’s attack. In Cherki, Manchester City have signed a quality number 10, who can play on either wing and is blessed with tremendous dribbling and passing ability. Tijjani Reijnders is a midfielder who can score goals and pick out a key pass. They figure to be important players for Manchester City. The signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri also adds a new element to Pep Guardiola’s squad. The Algerian international is an attacking weapon from the left-back position with his ability to overlap and invert into midfield. Ait-Nouri is also a tremendous player on the ball which will add a different dynamic to Manchester City’s attacking play. But when you add those three to the attacking players that Manchester City already have, that’s where the danger lies for Manchester City’s opponents.

Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush should benefit from playing with Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders. The pair tend to play on the shoulder of the last defender when the opportunity arises. Cherki and Reijnders can pick out their attacking runs with a defence-splitting ball. That’s one area of City’s play in the final third that should improve with their signings.

The potential of Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki interchanging positions on the pitch is also tantalising. Both players can play on the right wing and as a number 10. If they can be fluid in their position during a game when playing together, Manchester City’s opponents will have a nightmare to contend with. If Oscar Bobb is fit for next season, he can also be factored into that particular equation.

Jeremy Doku and Savinho could be a handful next season.

Given their age, Savinho and Jeremy Doku should improve next season. If they do and their end product goes up a gear, that should give Manchester City a more dangerous look out wide. Doku should share duties with Omar Marmoush out wide on the left. Jeremy Doku should greatly benefit from Rayan Ait-Nouri’s inclusion in the City starting eleven. If Ait-Nouri overlaps or inverts he should take a defender with him. That should allow Doku more opportunities to take on a defender one-on-one. That’s where Doku shines and it could become a more prominent weapon in City’s play next season.

On Savinho, there is an argument to be made that he does play his best football on the left wing. With Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki and Oscar Bobb in the equation on the right wing, perhaps Savinho will play more regularly on the left. He showed how dangerous he can be on the left wing during Manchester City’s 2-nil win at the King Power Stadium last season. Perhaps playing out wide on the left will bring out the best in the Brazilian. If that move occurs and does help Savinho’s play improve that’s another dangerous weapon at Pep Guardiola’s disposal.

Summary.

The potential is there for Pep Guardiola to have a devastating attack at his disposal next season. Manchester City have the players there to tear their opponents apart on their day. It may take time for Guardiola to gel his new look attack together. But after appearing to be a team last season that lacked creativity, it now seems to be stacked with quality attacking options. How it comes together may shape Manchester City’s 25/26 season.