Man City is close to signing John Stones 2.0

Manchester City They have struggled so far this season, finding themselves in an unfamiliar position, not only 12 points off the pace, but also two points outside the top four in the league. Premier League. The Citizens have won just 10 of their 20 matches, drawing four and losing six, which is double the three losses they suffered throughout last season.

Although He conceded only 9.7 shots per match On average (lowest in the Premier League), the percentage of xG conceded per shot is very high, with every shot conceded With an average of 0.17xG Value (highest in section).

Much of this can be put down to the injury to Rodri, who has been an ever-present for Pep Guardiola since joining in 2019, not only setting the tempo on the ball, but also protecting the team in transition (an area they have struggled in this campaign so far).

With these problems continuing, Manchester City look ready to attack the January transfer window, plug the holes to improve their defensive record (particularly their ability to defend in transition), and put things right with a strong second half of the season.

Manchester City is close to signing on January 1

according to Reports from Fabrizio RomanoManchester City have reached agreement with Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis on personal terms. The package is said to be worth around €40m (£33m) with a deal now “rapidly progressing” between all parties.

The 18-year-old has been the subject of interest from plenty of other clubs (Including Brighton) But City appear willing to go the extra mile, ahead of their rivals to land the young defender's signature.

City have done a good job of luring some of South America's best young talents away from their homeland in recent years with Gabriel Jesus one notable example.

Perhaps their best act from this part of the world was Julian Alvarez. He was lured from River Plate before Sold for a huge profit (£81 million)This may be a move that also goes down in the federation.

How does Rhys compare to John Stones?

Reis is considered one of Brazil's biggest talents, with data analyst Ben Mattinson describing the defender as “John Stones type“Due to the quality of his passing, his ‘pause’ on the ball, and his intelligence on and off the ball.

She only has stones He has made 12 appearances for City so far this seasonHe scored three goals and contributed to keeping three clean sheets during the 673 minutes he has played so far.

But City's poor form began with Stones' exit due to injury, and has continued in his absence, indicating the need for defensive reinforcement.

Reis stands at a similar 6-foot-1 to Stones, but currently has a much smaller frame. However, this does not stop him from getting involved, as he has a great understanding at such a young age of how to use his body in duels, when to be aggressive and when to back off. His defensive actions per 90 highlight this, as he made 1.87 tackles and won 3.08 aerial duels per 90.

While Stones currently ranks very high in the passing and progression metrics, you can recognize Reece's skill set, which could see massive improvements in his underlying numbers, as he plays in an elite team that gets possession of the ball more regularly, given that he will receive twice as much. Approximately 90 touch/pass attempts per 90 (see Stones for reference).

While the Brazilian centre-back is by no means ready, he has all the attributes of an elite-level centre-back. Given enough time to fill his upper body and train under one of the best, if not the best, coaches in the world, Reece could become one of the best defenders in the Premier League in the coming years.