Will Oleksandr Zinchenko Make The Grade At Manchester City

Ukrainian youngster has impressed at left-back this season

For all intents, Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, has already won the Premiere League title, and the other teams know it. The best bookmaker offers 2018 currently have them priced as low 1/150 to win the regular season title, and we think even at that price, they are a bargain. Some sites have Manchester City at as much as 1/1000. The question is, “Is there anyone willing to lay the 1000 to get the 1.” It would take an epic fall the likes of which we have never before seen for them not be lifting the EPL trophy at the end of the campaign.

With such a big lead at the top, it gives the manager a great chance to try out new talent new talent. In recent weeks, that is exactly what Guardiola has done. He has long been criticized for not giving young players a chance to play. He simply wants to win and does not like taking any chances that might cost the team a win. This insurmountable lead has given players like the 21-year-old Oleksandr Zinchenko a chance to show what they can do. The young player from Ukraine is full of potential but needs to prove he can make the grade at this level.

The team has enough in the coffers to get anyone they want. This makes it difficult for young players to break through. While finally getting a chance to play, Zinchenko has been a pleasant surprise. Guardiola has certainly been impressed, which figures to benefit other players who might be waiting in the wings.

Last season was a disaster for Zinchenko who after joining Man City was sent on loan to play for Eindhoven. He struggled to adapt and mentally found it extremely difficult to cope with being left out of the first team on all but four occasions.

After the player returned for preseason training at City, he was determined to prove he had what it takes. The disaster of last campaign added fuel to the fire, and he has impressed Guardiola enough to find a spot on the first team. It’s a good betting he won’t be going out on loan next year. It’s worth noting his achievements are all the more impressive because he is not playing in his natural midfield position. Instead, he has played at left-back acting as cover for the injured duo Delph and Mendy.

Conclusion

One thing that sets Zinchenko apart from the other Manchester City players is his pass completion rate in the last third of the pitch. He has completed the most accurate passes completing 84 of 76 which is the best in the whole squad. The player is extremely intelligent and composed but still has a long way to go if he wants to become world-class.

With the added fire power from players like this, bookmakers figure to list Manchester City at a short price going into next season. Anything close to 3-1 would make for a nice futures bet. Astute bettors might want to start shopping for the best prices right now.