Sergio Gomez has spoken about his first weeks at the Etihad Stadium.
Perhaps the biggest indication of Sergio Gomez’s potential is the fact that Manchester City reportedly planned to sign him, regardless of their need for a left-back this summer.
Described as a ‘high-development talent’ by those within the club, the initial plan was to complete the coup of the Spaniard and send him on a season-long loan.
However, the Sky Blues’ decision not to pay over the odds for now-Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella meant that the club had to entrust the ex-Anderlecht starlet to operate as the backup left-back.
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Instead of trying to bring in other reported alternatives such as VfB Stuttgart’s Borna Sosa or Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro, Pep Guardiola’s side are seemingly confident that the 21-year old is capable of fitting in instantly in Sky Blue.
In Manchester City’s recent 6-3 annihilation of Manchester United, the ex-Borussia Dortmund wonderkid certainly repaid the club’s faith in him.
Coming on as a first-half substitute for the injured Kyle Walker, Sergio Gomez’s technical security stood out, as he looked right at home as an inverted left-back.
However, the La Masia graduate showcased his full range of skills by pushing forward and setting up an inch-perfect assist for Erling Haaland to complete his hat-trick.
Previously, Anderlecht’s 2021/2022 Player of the Season also impressed in his first start for his new club against Sevilla in the Champions League, alongside several cameo appearances in the Premier League.
Ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming group stage match against FC Copenhagen, Gomez gave an insight into his experience at settling in at the club.
“When you come to a big club, it's hard, overall, I'm happy with my contributions,” he said.
Gomez added: “Teammates and coaches help me to adapt quickly. I try to work hard to play more. I train harder and make things difficult for Pep to choose a starting XI.”
Fighting for a starting spot in one of the most well-stocked squads in Europe, the wonderkid also discussed the self-belief needed to embrace the constant competition for places.
“When you come to a big club, you're aware what's in the squad, they're all great players. You are expectant at the beginning.
"They all host me well, I feel one more in the squad. I'm grateful for their support in matches.
"I'm happy in general, as a young player coming to this squad.”
With Sergio Gomez settling in well during his start to life at Manchester City, he is expected for bigger and better things as time passes.
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Champions League
Srinivas Sadhanand