Two impressive young Manchester City defenders should be given an opportunity to impress at the Club World Cup | OneFootball

At the end of this season, Manchester City will head to the United States to take part in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The merits of adding another major tournament to the ever-expanding football calendar do have to be questioned. But the tournament could be an opportunity for a host of City’s talented youngsters to show what they’re made of. In particular, it could provide an opportunity for Pep Guardiola to play Juma Bah and Callum Doyle at the tournament.

The pair of young defenders have impressed during their loan spells this season. You do sense that the FIFA Club World Cup could be a platform for the pair to play in the Manchester City first team. They both appear to have the talent and do play in positions that Pep Guardiola’s squad may need cover for in the United States. Here is a look at both players and the role that they could play at the Club World Cup.

Juma Bah.

The young centre-back has impressed for Lens during the second half of this season. He made a slow start to his loan spell at the Ligue One club. But once he made his debut for the club Juma Bah has gone about showing why Manchester City were so keen to sign him.

The size and strength of Juma Bah does stand out in his play. He almost manhandles his opponents, as the clip below demonstrates. Everything about Bah’s play is impressive. It is even more so when you consider he is only 18 years of age. He times his challenges well, is poised in possession and has all of the makings of a quality centre-back.

There is merit to the idea of Juma Bah being part of Manchester City’s squad for the Club World Cup. Pep Guardiola’s side may need cover at centre-back as Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji are currently out injured. Their participation in the tournament is in doubt. If they are unable to play in the United States, Manchester City should give Juma Bah an opportunity to impress.

Callum Doyle.

The second young defender who Manchester City should take to the Club World Cup is Callum Doyle. Doyle has had an impressive season with Norwich in the Championship. The young defender has long been earmarked as a potential star of the future. Watching Doyle play this season you can see that his game has gone up a level. He has played at left-back and centre-back for Norwich this season. He has impressed in both roles.

Manchester City are screaming out for cover for Josko Gvardiol. Callum Doyle could be the player to provide that for the Croatian. He has impressed at left-back this season and he has the technical ability to become a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad. Defensively, Doyle is sound and that ability forms the foundation of his play. In 39 appearances for Norwich this season in all competitions Callum Doyle has scored one goal and added seven assists. Doyle’s ability to pick out a pass does make him a player who could potentially play for Manchester City. He just needs an opportunity to impress. The FIFA Club World Cup could be the ideal setting for that opportunity to arise.

Summary.

Juma Bah and Callum Doyle both should be a part of Manchester City’s squad for the Club World Cup. While the prize money on offer is a major incentive for Manchester City to aim to win the tournament, the tournament is also an opportunity for players like Juma Bah and Callum Doyle to stake their claim to earn a spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season. If Doyle and Juma Bah do travel to the United States and impress they could play their way into the Manchester City first-team. That could be the added benefit of City’s participation in the competition.