Manchester City could replace Stones with one of the best teenage midfielders in the world

Manchester City They have endured a string of strong performances that threaten to derail their season.

Manchester United's 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium was City's victory Fifth defeat in the league in the last seven matches Leaving them 11 points behind leaders Liverpool in the league Premier League table.

Pep GuardiolaA side was also taken out League Cup Against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round and occupies a precarious 22nd place in the league European Champions League schedule – Just a point above the elimination line.

The start of the season is a far cry from the start of the club Four Premier League titles in a row And the first Champions League in 2023. While there has been a lot of talk about players like Phil Foden Given the poor performance, it was City's defensive weakness that stood out most to sharp-eyed viewers.

Manchester City's defense is in turmoil

Man City have them He conceded 23 goals So far this season in their attempt to defend their fifth consecutive Premier League title.

Their defense has been plagued by injuries to several key players including, Nathan Ake lost 11 games With a hamstring injury and a huge center half Ruben Dias is absent from seven matches With a calf problem.

The graphic above shows that not only were teams converting quality chances against Manchester City, but they were allowed to create too many of them in the first place – something that has not been the case in recent seasons.

City received an average 1.44 goals per match In the league this season and maintained Clean sheets in only 19% of their matches. A stark contrast to the previous season (23/24), where the Nationals only conceded 0.89 goals per match And keep it Clean sheets in 34% of their matches.

One defender in particular who has seen a decline in form is the England international John Stoneswhich just made Seven games with City this season He struggled when given the opportunity.

The Academy product can be a long-term alternative to stones

It has been noticeable that Stones' form has not been up to the usual high standards of previous seasons and that the England defender is suffering a decline in a number of key defensive metrics.

The former Everton player's readiness and durability have been called into question this season and from the above it is clear that he is coming full circle Less than 90 minutes This season compared to the previous two campaigns. Additionally, Stones is regressing defensively as well Number of tackles and interceptions wonBlocks were made and aerial duels were won.

Not only is the English star a defensive rock for City, he adds a lot to their attacking play too, building from the back with line-splitting passes from deep. The defender is off this season Progressive passes And he has the worst of it Pass completed Average in recent seasons.

Fortunately, City may not have to look far to replace Stones at centre-back. According to Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, they have an academy opportunity in Steven Mfuni He is “one of the most talented players in world football.”

The Wigan-born defender is only 16 years old, but he's already done that He made three appearances for the Premier League 2 team He recently received rave reviews for his performance in European Youth League, beating Sparta Prague 3-0.

Mphoni can play at left or right centre-back and his strength in the air and on the ball have been highlighted as key attributes in order to replace the current powerful Stones.

It looks like Pep Guardiola may not have to spend money in the transfer market in order to fix his leaky defence, as homegrown prospect Mfuni could factor into his plans.