CITY Douglas could follow in path of Barca star
FOR all the trophies Pep Guardiola has won, he arguably deserves more credit for his youth development.
The Catalan continues to be critiqued as a gifted manager who has always had talented players and large transfer budgets at his disposal.
Take a look at his triumphant Barcelona side and many critics point towards the superhuman Lionel Messi for their dominance over Europe.
However, Guardiola’s careful nurturing of Sergio Busquets and Pedro was equally impressive.
Eight months after making his Barcelona debut under Guardiola, Busquets started a Champions League final as the pair secured their first European trophy with victory over United.
And if Guardiola wants to bookend a decade in senior management with another European trophy and uncover another gem, the solution could be right under his nose in Douglas Luiz.
Busquets rose to the Barcelona first-team, replacing Yaya Toure with a string of composed and disciplined holding performances.
A decade on and it looks like Douglas could prove to be a longterm replacement for the Ivorian veteran.
Hopes are rising for Douglas, who only made his senior debut two years ago for Vasco de Gama, but is already being ushered into the first-team frame at the Etihad.
City have applied for a work permit as they look to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new campaign in the light of one-time target Jorginho’s switch to Chelsea. And there is good reason behind it. Fernandinho accumulated nearly 4,000 minutes of club football last season and despite his near-flawless displays, the veteran Brazilian needs to be supported if he is to produce his best from again next season.
It would be a tall order to match the mark of World Cup winner Busquets instantly, but Douglas’ emergence into the first-team could spur Fernandinho on to ensure his exceptional standards don’t slacken, if nothing else.
One of Douglas’ standout performances in La Liga last season saw him dominate a midfield battle against Ivan Rakitic as plucky Girona battled the Catalan giants.
His strong displays in midfield saw him rise to prominence in native Brazil and he again showed glimpses of his commanding physical approach during the recent pre-season tour.
Guardiola wants an alternative option heading into the new season, and Douglas could provide that. His passing range is impressive and he possess an encouraging athleticism which bodes well for adapting to English football.
However, he has yet to fully establish himself in one position – and City’s hierarchy will also have been concerned by how he ended the season with Girona, managing just two minutes of football in the final three months of the season as he struggled to live up to his earlier billing.
But despite those issues, if he can show enough promise to Guardiola then that is all that really matters.
Speaking about Buquets, Guardiola highlighted everything he looks for in a defensive midfield player.
“He’s tactically very strong and will only become more important for Barca in the future. He’s very humble and calm, but doesn’t mind speaking up when he sees fit either.
“If I was reincarnated as a player, I’d like to be like him.”
If Douglas can impress Guardiola with a similar level of humility and strength, then City could possess another diamond in the rough.