Manchester City have been heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Winks in recent days. Pep Guardiola seems keen to bring the English international to the Etihad Stadium in a move which may turn heads for many.
However, if you look deep into the start-studded Manchester City squad you could see why Guardiola is looking to sign Harry Winks. City’s midfield option consists of Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan. Amongst these David Silva is about to leave at the end of the season, however, City have his replacement ready in Phil Foden.
However, their otherwise glamorous midfield consists of only three holding midfielders in Gundogan, Rodri and Fernandinho. With the Brazilian into the twilight of his career and having spent most of the last season as a centre-back it makes sense to replace him appropriately and Harry Winks could just be the right guy.
As Fernandinho has primarily played as centre-back this season we have taken his stats from last season as a reference. Harry Winks has no goal contributions this season, while Fernandinho has three goal contributions for Manchester City in the 2018/19 season.
The Brazilian have been averaging 0.8 key passes per match in the Premier League while Winks have made 0.6 key passes per match. The English international is completing 2.5 long passes per match with an overall pass completion rate of 90.3%, Fernandinho has completed 2.7 long balls with an overall pass completion rate of 87.5%.
Being defensive midfielders Fernandinho and Winks are best judged for their defensive contributions. The Tottenham man is making 2.4 tackles per match and a combined of 3.2 interceptions and clearances per game while City’s veteran is making 2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game while also contributing 2.4 clearances per game.
While Harry Winks isn’t the biggest superstar like Kevin De Bruyne or David Silva, he’s still a quality player who can be a very effective signing for Manchester City, if they choose to make it.
