Last week, the Daily Star reported that Manchester City had joined the race for FC Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba.
Mere rumour? Perhaps, but Manchester City's left full-back situation is far from stable. Although Gaël Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov occupy the role in a rotation system, one has become Mr.Inconsistent, and the other is far more effective at the other end of the pitch.
The left full-back role hasn't been dominated by a single player since the days of Roberto Carlos, but alongside Bayern Munich's David Alaba, Alba could be the most competent in that position.
But regardless of whether the Premier League champions submit a bid for the 25-year-old Spaniard or not, bringing in a left-sided full-back could allow Aleksandar Kolarov to become the dangerous winger City's measured attacking play desperately craves this season.
From zero to hero.
Before Manuel Pellegrini joined the club in the summer of 2013, Aleksandar Kolarov was already preparing to call time on his short stay at the Etihad Stadium. Regarded as a defensive liability and appreciated only for his explosive left foot, the Serbian was mocked for the £16m price tag that balanced on his head, and a move back to Italy looked certain.
But under the Chilean, Kolarov was given the game time he required to settle into the side, and his new manager's attacking philosophies married with his playing style sumptuously. The deep defensive line Roberto Mancini often employed exploited Kolarov's defensive weaknesses; Pellegrini's comparatively high line revealed the 28-year-old's various attacking qualities.
An attacking threat.
Against teams like Arsenal and Chelsea, who are armed with predatory wingers such as Alexis Sánchez and Eden Hazard, Gaël Clichy has been legitimately preferred over Kolarov at left-back. The Frenchman is a more accomplished defender, and has a turn of pace that makes him more reliable in one on one situations. So far this season, Clichy has averaged 9 defensive actions per game and has won an impressive 54% of his duels.
(Clichy is a more accomplished defender than his Serbian counterpart - image via @Squawka)
Contrastively, Kolarov has won only 39% of his duels (the lowest of any defender in City's squad) and has averaged just five defensive actions per game, but his conduct has been much more influential further up the pitch. The Serbian has created five chances in five league appearances for the blues and has also registered an assist.
(Kolarov has made four key passes and one assist in the Premier League this season - image via @Squawka)
In Manuel Pellegrini's offensive system, Kolarov is regarded as an important outlet when City go forward. His shot power enables him to occupy positions just outside the 18-yard-box which are often populated by stray balls, and the venom and accuracy in his left boot often stings the hands of opposition goalkeepers.
(Kolarov is often one of City's most advanced players when they attack - image via mcfc.co.uk)
But the former Lazio man's most valuable asset is his seductive delivery into the box. Kolarov's versatile left foot can whip, drive, and curl a variety of accurate and teasing crosses into the penalty area that cause endless problems for defenders and attractive opportunities for City's strikers. No other player in the league possesses the same ability to whip a ferocious first time cross into the 18-yard-box, and Kolarov does this meticulously on a consistent basis.
(Kolarov possesses a delicious crossing technique that has become a critical component in Manchester City's attacking play - video via @MCFC_Videos)
Pellegrini must remove Kolarov of his defensive responsibilities
Aleksandar Kolarov certainly offers vitality to Manchester City's attacking play, but his tendency to occupy positions further up the pitch leaves the team vulnerable to counter attacks.
The champions have become worryingly susceptible to the counter attack this season, conceding goals from attacking positions in games against AS Roma, Chelsea and Stoke City. In City's 1-0 defeat to Stoke, Kolarov was unable to provide protection against the Potter's counter attack because of he was too far up the field, and Mame Biram Diouf was able to sprint into free space and slot past Joe Hart.
(Kolarov can be seen sprinting back in attempt to help his teammates defend, the X marks where he should have been - image via mcfc.co.uk)
But is this the fault of the player, or is it a tactical mistake? Kolarov has obligations at both ends of the field, but Manuel Pellegrini must facilitate the Serbian's strengths and play him in front of Gaël Clichy rather than instead of him.
Samir Nasri's injury has proven to be a blessing in disguise for the Chilean who has been able to infuse his team with the energy and enthusiasm of James Milner alongside David Silva, Fernandinho and Yaya Touré in the midfield, but Aleksandar Kolarov must also be considered as a midfielder than can offer more to City's decelerating attacking play.
By no means must the 28-year-old be considered a first-team regular, but removing him of his defensive responsibilities could help to plug City's leaky back-line and arm their attack with more flavour.
