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Wilson-Esbrand’s Pre-Season Performances Gives Guardiola Second Thoughts About Buying a New LB

Josh Wilson-Esbrand switches the play

Pep Guardiola was delighted with the display of 19-year-old Josh Wilson-Esbrand in the 1-0 win over Bayern Munich.

Wilson-Esbrand has been outstanding throughout City‘s pre-season US tour and his potential will definitely give Guardiola an option provided City won’t sign a left-back before the transfer window closes.

WATCH: Goals & Highlights: Bayern Munich 0 – 1 Manchester City

After Oleksandr Zinchenko exit to Arsenal, Manchester City‘s top priority to fill the left-back position has always been Brighton & Hove Albion player – Marc Cucurella. The Seagulls defender has always wanted to join the Cityzens and told his club to allow him to leave should the offer come.

Wilson-Esbrand's Pre-Season Performances Gives Guardiola Second Thoughts About Buying a New LB

However, Brighton rejected a £30m bid for Marc Cucurella from Manchester City because they want an estimated fee of £50m. But City think this transfer is overpriced and Pep will surely explore other options like Jaoa Cancelo, Nathan Ake and now Josh Wilson-Esbrand.

ALSO READ: Thank You Zinchenko – His Final Interview as a Man City Player

Speaking at his post-match press conference at Lambeau Field, the City boss heaped praise on the left-back who gave an assured display throughout.

“The problem with Josh is the last two years he was injured,” said Pep.

“He had a problem with the knee and muscular issue, but we believe he has the potential. He’s aggressive to win the duels and with the ball is so clever, he has a good 1 v 1 defender and doesn’t feel the pressure with the ball.

Today was an example of how our back four were pressed but didn’t lose much of the ball. He did a really good game. If we can control his injuries, we will have a full back for many years.”

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Premier League 2024/2025

PWDLPts
1Liverpool
33
24
7
2
79
2Arsenal
34
18
13
3
67
3Manchester City
34
18
7
9
61
4Nottingham Forest
33
18
6
9
60
5Newcastle United
33
18
5
10
59
6Chelsea
33
16
9
8
57
7Aston Villa
34
16
9
9
57
8AFC Bournemouth
33
13
10
10
49
9Fulham
33
13
9
11
48
10Brighton & Hove Albion
33
12
12
9
48
11Brentford
33
13
7
13
46
12Crystal Palace
34
11
12
11
45
13Everton
33
8
14
11
38
14Manchester United
33
10
8
15
38
15Wolverhampton Wanderers
33
11
5
17
38
16Tottenham Hotspur
33
11
4
18
37
17West Ham United
33
9
9
15
36
18Ipswich Town
33
4
9
20
21
19Leicester City
33
4
6
23
18
20Southampton
33
2
5
26
11


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