Manchester City’s clash with Al Ain may be the ideal setting for Claudio Echeverri to start | OneFootball

One of the surprise stories of the 24/25 season was that Claudio Echeverri made his Manchester City debut in the closing stages of City’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley. The talented young playmaker did make quite the impression on the big stage. At some point, Echeverri will start his first match for Manchester City. Tomorrow morning’s match against Al Ain may be the ideal setting for Echeverri’s first start for City to occur.

Pep Guardiola has stated his intention to heavily rotate his squad for the Club World Cup fixture against Al Ain.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Al Ain, Pep Guardiola stated his intention to heavily rotate his squad for the match. He floated the possibility of changing 10 players from the match that started the win over Wydad AC. Speaking about the possibility of rotating his players, Guardiola said: “In the next match 10 new players will be lined up to try and win.”

Claudio Echeverri could be one player to start in Atlanta.

Although the FIFA Club World Cup is a serious competition, it also represents a pre-season of sorts for Manchester City. Manchester City’s first two group stage matches are an opportunity for City’s fringe and young players an opportunity to impress. Claudio Echeverri fits that particular bill.

Looking at how Manchester City may line up against Al Ain there could be a role for Claudio Echeverri on the left wing at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Although, Echeverri has primarily played as a number ten at River Plate and for Argentina’s youth sides, so he could slot in on the left. That way, he could drift centrally and get into the dangerous pockets he thrives in, or Echeverri could start as an attacking midfielder and play as a number ten against Al Ain. Maybe that’s how Echeverri could slot into the City starting eleven for the first time. Claudio Echeverri could play either role against Al Ain. He does have the talent to do so and make an impression.

If Manchester City beat Al Ain they’ll secure a spot in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup. So the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an important one for Pep Guardiola’s side. But it could also could be an opportunity for Guardiola to allow a player like Claudio Echeverri to start. Perhaps the match in Atlanta is the ideal setting for Echeverri to start for the first time for Manchester City .