NICO GONZÁLEZ 🇪🇸 Who is he and why do Manchester City want him? 🔜 Quick Thread 🧵 by @Classicadez01 #analysiswithclassicadez

Name: Nico González Iglesias Age: 23 Country: Spain Height: 188 cm Club: FC Porto Position: CM/DM Player Role: Deep-lying playmaker / Box-to-box midfielder Foot: Right Agent: Gestifute Market value: €18M Similar data profile: Declan Rice, Anguissa.

Nico Gonzalez, who is close to signing for Manchester City is a technically gifted midfielder who came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy. He has a strong tactical understanding, excellent ball control, and forward passing ability.

Standing at 1.88m, he also provides a physical presence in midfield, which allows him to play as a deep-lying playmaker or in a more box-to-box role. This physicality has been lacking in City's midfield since Rodri's injury with likes of Gundo, Kovacic, Foden weak in midfield.

At Porto, he's been developing into a more intense, physically demanding system than what he was used to at Barcelona. His ability to break lines with passes and carry the ball forward makes him a valuable asset, but still needs to improve his defensive awareness and consistency.

In the 2024-25 season, he has played 17 league games for Porto, scoring five goals and assisting three in 1551 minutes. Ranks highly in the 93rd percentile for assists. 76th %tile for non-penalty goals 75th %tile for total shots (1.45 per90) 🎥@josh__vids

STRENGTHS 1. Progressive Passing & Ball Circulation Nico is excellent at keeping possession and circulating the ball efficiently. Can break lines with sharp vertical passes, helping in build-up play. This attributes will be useful for a City side who struggled vs. Arsenal.

2. Press Resistance For his big structure, it's surprising how he's calm under pressure and good at evading opponents with body feints and quick turns. Can receive the ball in tight spaces and escape with his ball control. Spanish-like. 🇪🇸 @citehvanzz

3. Ball Carrying Nico has the ability to drive forward with the ball, especially in transitions. Uses his physicality to shield the ball and progress up the pitch. His carrying stats is very poor compared to the top carrier Rodri. Rodri - 72.52 Nico - 30.16 Doesn't Carry. ⛹️

4. Tactical Intelligence & Positioning Reads the game well and understands positional play, thanks to his La Masia education. Can operate as a deep-lying midfielder or in a more advanced role, depending on the system. Can replace/pair Rodri, or play alongside anyone else.

5. Physicality & Stamina At 1.88m, he adds physical presence to City's midfield. Can hold off challenges and use his frame effectively to protect the ball. He is excellent at winning aerial duels. Winning 2.97 aerial duels per 90 (97%tile) with 59% won. Aerial Beast. 🏋️🪂

6. Defensive Contributions (Still Developing) Not a defensive specialist but uses his body well in duels. Presses intelligently and uses his long legs to win tackles and win back possession in midfield. Aggressive but less disciplined. @HardManCityPicx

With Rodri still out injured and with Pep Guardiola missing out on Declan Rice about a year ago, Nico Gonzalez will add some engine to the City's weak midfield. Bringing in his physicality and aggression to help the team. Looks like Pep has eventually gotten his Declan Rice.

Thank You for reading this quick piece of thread. We wish Nico González good luck 💯. Kindly LIKE, COMMENT AND REPOST. DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW @Classicadez01 @oltsport_ .

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