Benjamin Mendy returned to training with his Manchester City team-mates this week as he nears a return to the first-team fold.
A metatarsal problem, followed by successive knee injuries had restricted Mendy's appearances for the champions over his first two seasons at the club. However, he has worked hard over the past few months to step up his recovery process and even opted to miss the club's tour of Asia in order to focus on regaining his fitness.
Through his performances at Monaco, and his sparse displays at the Etihad, Mendy has proven he is the best example of a modern day full-back. He is physically imposing, boasts good stamina and of course blistering pace.
In his absence, Oleksandr Zinchenko has cemented himself as City's key left-back. Although a right-sided midfielder by trade, his left-footedness made him the perfect candidate for Pep Guardiola to coach and evolve into a more than adequate replacement for Mendy.
Despite this, there still seems to be a lopsidedness to City's attack. This is evident from their opening three matches so far this season. The champions have commenced 48 of their attacks down their right flank, whilst just 39 have started down their left.
For comparison, during Mendy's last three senior appearances for City vs Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Brighton, the Blues built 58 of their attacks down the left utilising Mendy, and just 27 down the right.
Whilst this isn't necessarily a direct reflection on Zinchenko, it does add more meat to the bone in terms of whether Mendy will be reinstated as the first-choice left-back, or whether Zinchenko's legitimate qualities in the position will see him remain the club's number one. But who should take up the position when the French defender does return?
Firstly, it's important to point out the defensive solidity Zinchenko provides. He is smaller at 5ft9in and weighs much less than Mendy at 64kg, yet he still averaged a higher success rate in terms of defensive duels and duels in the air. Additionally, perhaps fine tuned from his more natural role as a midfielder, he also proved apt in reading and intercepting oppositions attacking play, averaging more interceptions than the Frenchman.
Whilst more than competent in defence, Mendy, of course, built his name through his strong attacking credentials. Again, Zinchenko proved more than adequate last season in this department, averaging four assists and two goals.
However, it is worth noting that despite playing nearly 2,000 minutes fewer than Zinchenko, Mendy also managed four assists last season.
Looking again at that same sample size, we can see that Zinchenko proved a slightly better runner with the ball, averaging 2.1 progressive runs per 90 minutes in comparison to Mendy's average of 1.9 per 90 minutes. However, when we look at both players output in the final third, we can see that Mendy's more natural wing-back credentials begin to shine.
Mendy averaged more crosses, more dribbles and more passes into the box per 90 minutes, and all with a much better accuracy than Zinchenko.
Given City's all round dominance in most matches, it is likely that Mendy's attacking prowess may prove the decisive factor in cementing him a route straight back into the City first team.
Vinacruz
1
I suggest That as the first team for us. correct mi were necessary
SashJayden
0
I will put Bravo too his in good form and deserves a start aswell
He is much better this time he improved
SashJayden
1
Let's try this vs Bournemouth
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for sure we need bravo this time
PhillipChisala
0
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Stone and otamendi there weaken our defence they make too many mistake i also think fernandinol can manage the center back position but we still need him in the mid so i suggest cancelo in that position with larpote in there its hell for opponent, i do like walker the were his moving in the right wing and its good to see mendy back we need stamina in the left wing though zincheko is good but his a bit flexible. Otherwise we do have an amazing team and there are ready to defend the title. city forever
kowaiopst
0
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Wow I wonder how cancelo in the middle will be like. But I would prefer even Fernandinho in that position. Stones and otamendi are not good enough
kowaiopst
0
Let's try this vs Bournemouth
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I will put Bravo too his in good form and deserves a start aswell
SashJayden
4
Let's try this vs Bournemouth
Mayacikops
0
my dream city
MatulSrivastava
0
our rivals bt tht bench power thou ..just salute them
πππ
MatulSrivastava
0
A dilemma any team would love to have. ππ
so true
PhillipChisala
4
Genius876
1
Mendy should report back to his position if he show the stamina to do so, zinchenko is a bit shaky in the last few matches
Claytsupersteel1
0
that squad will be gud when medy involved
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So you left the beast in this line up Walker??
ChipoVectorBanda
0
that squad will be gud when medy involved
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where's Walker
Philipusndaetolune
0
that squad will be gud when medy involved
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impossible in city!! We line up with 4-3-3
Philipusndaetolune
4
This is very hard to select,, but I love both of them!! They're good players,, assisting, attacking, the way they play the whole field, it's awesome!! But looking at assists, mendy tends to be a good assist than zinchenko!! So , competition is good because when a player is given a chance to play, he'll try to do it better than his rivals!! So,, let's give a test to Mendy against Bournemouth
KMC10
0
that squad will be gud when medy involved
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are u aan city fan.how ur line up be like this.this is bad we use 4-3-3
Yezabcklsy
3
that squad will be gud when medy involved
Legendola
3
an interesting dilemma
wambpstz
4
thanks for your service zinchenko but mendy must retake his place as starting LB
slm_km1
4
I like zinchenko much than mendy,mendy is good on crossing but zinchenko potision himself well in both offensive and defensive side of his game.....
MatulSrivastava
7
Man city A team π₯π₯
MatulSrivastava
9
Man City B team
bonho
3
our rivals bt tht bench power thou ..just salute them
ishti
4
A dilemma any team would love to have. ππ
Vupdeknpr
2
Where is Angelino?