Heroes of the last 16 could have been in the Blues’ XI...
CITY may have more World Cup quarter-finalists than any other club side, but 11 could have been 13 if Pep Guardiola had got what he wanted.
There must have been a rueful smile fixed on the face of the City manager as he watched two of the standout players from the last 16 ties.
First, France. As the eyes on the world fell once again on Argentina’s Lionel Messi, precocious whippersnapper Kylian Mbappe did his best to signal a new era with an outrageously good performance.
The talent that had captivated Guardiola to the point of serious interest in signing the player in 2016 and 2017 was there for all to see, adding millions to the 19-(19!)yearold’s value with each exhilarating dance past the exasperated Argentine defenders.
And then to England-Colombia, and the intriguing backline that Gareth Southgate has placed his faith in. Looking beyond Kyle Walker (who again looked like a good defender that isn’t necessarily a good centre-back), beyond John Stones (who had a much happier time up against Radamel Falcao), and instead to Leicester City’s Harry Maguire.
The 25-year-old put in his most impressive display in an England shirt to date with a performance that mixed composure on the ball with defensive responsibility and an aerial threat in the opposition box.
Having left Hull for £17m last summer, Maguire was already being touted for triple that price when City’s interest was reported in him back in January.
An offer was not forthcoming, and a deal for Aymeric Laporte - another that eluded Guardiola’s grasp in 2016 - was completed instead for a club record £57m. Unless there is a major defensive crisis, it is unlikely City will be in the bidding for Maguire any time soon and while they will certainly be interested in Mbappe should he be available, the World Cup will surely have sealed his future at Paris St Germain for at least another year.
If that is the disappointing news for Blues, there is exciting consolation in the evidence that the man in charge at the Etihad still knows not only who the best players in the game are, but who are the next generation of superstars coming up behind them.
It’s why there were emphatic celebrations in the executive offices when the deal for Gabriel Jesus was agreed in 2016, and why Guardiola’s statement that he wants to leave a bright future ahead for the Blues should have other clubs concerned.
Even if some targets elude City, the manager’s eye for world-class ability should ensure a conveyor belt of talent continues for some years to come.