Top stories today:

1. Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb Duo

2. Claudio Echeverri Development

3. Post Match Analysis of Manchester City

4. Future City Transfer Targets?

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0. Standings, Fixtures and Statistics

1. Future Manchester City Duo?

One thing that went slightly under the radar in the City game against Crystal Palace was the linkup between Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis. Something I’ve broken down further in this thread below. 👇

Minutes This Season

For Oscar Bobb, he’s now reached 804 minutes and is only slightly behind what Cole Palmer (849) managed last season with City. Has a few chances to surpass him before it finishes. This season Oscar Bobb has completed 90 minutes five times, Palmer only completed 90 minutes four times last season. Next season we should expect to see Bobb promoted minutes wise to ~1,500.

For Rico Lewis he’s now surpassed his minutes total from last season (1,427) by reaching 1,587. He’s completed 90 minutes 13 times this season to the 9 of last season. Had his luck with the injury to Walker/Ake but you’ve still got to take those opportunities. Whether it’s in midfield or at RB, Lewis should be pushing for at least the same number of minutes next season.

2. Claudio Echeverri Developing at River Plate

Claudio Echeverri is on loan with River Plate till the end of 2024 and has been slowly developing in his physicality. Something that was on display in his game against Rosario Central.

Then in his second game this week, Claudio Echeverri scored this goal 🤯 👇

It’s very early to be thinking about where he fits into the Manchester City team but for now you have been warned, Claudio Echeverri is a very special talent that City have picked up.

3. Post Match Threads

Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City

Manchester City 5-1 Luton Town

4. Player Scouting Report Threads

Joao Gomes - Midfielder - Wolves

Exequiel Palacios - Midfielder - Bayer Leverkusen

Giorgio Scalvini - Central Defender - Atalanta

5. Interesting News & Links

• Tactics Journal posted a few different articles on Manchester City. Could Erling Haaland be doing more? 
  Manchester City’s creative space ahead of Real Madrid’s midfield 
  Long ball with runners versus Real Madrid when Carvajal gets forward 

• OptaAnalyst post on Rodri and his development as a midfielder in the final third here.

• Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake were both with the Manchester City squad on Saturday against Luton Town, neither came on for minutes but could be in contention for a start against Real Madrid.

• Manchester City are very interested in Lucas Paqueta this summer, open to a move for Musiala and more in The Athletic article by Sam Lee, check it you here.

• Lucas Paqeuta to Manchester City was also covered by Jacob Steinberg on his article for The Guardian here.

• Oscar Bobb did an interview with Football Manager discussing his development, position and what he’s really had to learn from Pep Guardiola. You can check it out here.

• Manuel Akanji did an interview with HYPEBEAST which you can find here.

• Josh Wilson-Esbrand who is on loan at Cardiff City has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury.

• Jack Gaughan Manchester City Notebook this week can be found here.

• Miguel Delaney wrote an article for The Independent this week, stating that Manchester City want two players that can play fluidly across the forward line. Interested in Paqueta, Musiala and Olise. You can find that here.

• Final three games of the season for Manchester City in the PL
  May 11 Fulham (A)
  May 14 Spurs (A)
  May 19 West Ham (H)

That’s all for this newsletter, rounding up our week with everything here at Sky Blue Times and the world of Manchester City. If you haven’t already, subscribe to get all this Manchester City content right to your inbox.

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