5 sweeper-keepers Manchester City should turn to in January 2017
It's time to admit Claudio Bravo hasn't been the kind of goalkeeper signing Manchester City needed. Pep Guardiola loved the sweeper keeper role which Manuel Neuer played at Bayern Munich and he used the German's passing and pace to create an extra outfield player when needed.
He used Neuer for three whole seasons and had a lot of success with him. While trying to bring the same playing style to the Premier League, he needed a keeper who could do what Neuer does – knowing for a fact that he won't be able to afford the big German #1 keeper.
In came Bravo from Barcelona and while he showed glimpses of his quality early on, he's faded since and Manchester City are suffering. Pep needs a keeper who can play with the ball at his feet and it just isn't happening for the Chilean.
So, here are five goalkeepers who could come in and be the sweeper keeper Pep Guardiola needs:
#5 Alphonse Areola
Not many people had heard of young Alphonse Areola when he was in the starting lineup to take on Arsenal earlier this year in the UEFA Champions League. But his two performances against the Gunners in the competition as well as his continued contribution in the Ligue 1 have convinced many people that he's the real deal.
He's only 23 and has the kind of experience that Pep would love: the kind of playing in the La Liga. Areola is quick, adept with playing the ball at his feet and has the ability to pull off some incredible solo saves every now and then.
With his contract ending in 2019, Areola won't come cheap but if Manchester City do offer one of their many blacklisted stars as collateral, they could pull off the deal.