Why John Guidetti Must Not Become Manchester City's John Doe

£120m spent on a state-of-the-art campus, 16 emerald green pitches and a total of 160 construction jobs created - all developed with the intention of establishing Manchester City's youth academy as the fiercest and most accomplished in European football.

But could it all be for nothing?

Manchester City have long been criticised for their negligence of youth with Micah Richards emerging as the blues' only academy product to feature regularly in the first team in the last decade. Marcos Lopes, José Angel Pozo and Karim Rekik head the list of sky blue starlets tipped to make an impact on European football in the future, but an incessant influx of multi-million pound signings makes the likelihood of those players influencing Manchester City's first team regrettably unlikely.

(Marcos Lopes has played just twice for the Manchester City first team in his two years at the club)

Since Manchester City's illustrious take-over back in 2008, the blues have been brain-washed by a paralysing pressure to succeed. With every penny spent, more scrutiny and criticism will meet every instance in which Sheikh Mansour's big spenders fail to win. Expectations have soared to staggering heights, and Manchester City's academy prospects have suffered as a result. 

Last August, City fans waved goodbye to their finest prodigy when Spanish midfielder Denis Suárez completed his move to Barcelona in a £1m deal. Citing a lack of first-team opportunities as his motive for departure, the 19 year-old slapped his old suitors in the face with a great big reality check. If City are to welcome original talent into their squad and escape the taunts of the opposition, promising youth prospects MUST be given a chance to shine with the seniors and one man in particular deserves that very chance.

Super John Guidetti

Since joining Sven-Göran Eriksson's Manchester City from IF Brommapojkarna in 2008, John Guidetti is yet to make a league appearance for the first team. The troubling statistic would be more palatable if the Swede's shooting boots had deserted him season after season in his five years at the club, but they haven't, and whilst strikers like Jô, Roque Santa Cruz and Mario Balotelli have been squandering chances for the senior team, Guidetti has been putting them away for the Under 21's. 

Record

Manchester City managers have frequently adjudged proven goalscoring records to be a sound indicator of which strikers to purchase in the transfer market, but with a record like Guidetti's, it's difficult not to question their opinions on the credibility of Manchester City's youth prospects. Guidetti's record of 49 goals in 67 appearances over the last three years doesn't suggest that the Scandinavian striker has any trouble in front of goal, despite the implications of Mark Hughes', Roberto Mancini's and Manuel Pellegrini's selection policies.

(Images via www.transfermarkt.co.uk)

Although Guidetti's record may be impressive, one season in particular catches the eye. Exciting young strikers often encounter obstacles when climbing the tremendous step from reserve league football to football in a competitive, first class European leagues, however, the Swede's loan move to Feyenoord in 2011 proved that Guidetti could compete with, and even surpass, some of the brightest stars of the Eredivisie in the Netherlands.

Feyenoord, 2011-2012

Feyenoord and Manchester City agreed a loan deal for the striker on the last day of the 2011 summer transfer window in what promised and proved to be the biggest opportunity the Swede ever took. A debut goal against NAC Breda lit up the eyes of 'Het Legioen' who had acquired a carnivorous looking young talent. 

But the forward had more to offer. Back to back hat-tricks against Dutch giants FC Twente and Ajax in December and January earned him a hero status in Rotterdam with coach, and Dutch legend, Ronald Koeman describing him as 'phenomenal'. Yet another hat-trick against Vitesse in February made him the first Feyenoord player to score three hat-tricks in one season since Dirk Kuyt in 2004/2005. Not only was Guidetti taking the league by storm, he was also setting records in a division where Dennis Bergkamp, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Luis Suárez made their names. 

The Eredivisie may not possess the might of leagues such as the Premier League and La Liga, but one could argue that scoring 20 league goals in a first season at any club is a remarkable feat. Aged just 20, John Guidetti had outperformed the debut seasons of some of the world's best strikers who had emerged from the Netherland's top division.

(Up there with the best: John Guidetti's impressive first season in the Eredivisie)

An incredible year in the Netherlands had written John Guidetti into the history books of one of Europe's best supported clubs, and he headed back to Manchester with the hope of breaking into Manchester City's 2011/2012 title winning side.

2012 onwards

John Guidetti's achievements abroad have been criminally overlooked by both Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini and a fantastic year in Rotterdam has almost been forgotten. Injury troubles have plagued the striker since returning from the Netherlands almost two years ago, but Captial One and FA Cup ties have been crying out for the spark of the exciting Manchester City youngster when he has been fit and available for selection.

The blues are reportedly desperate for the striker to gain some Premier League experience before risking him in their own fixtures, but sometimes, bravery can go a long way. Fortunately for the Swede, Mark Hughes' Stoke City are primed to make a loan bid this January in a quest to add to the disappointing 19 goals they have only managed to conjure up this season. However, many believe that, with some faith, John Guidetti should be making his mark on the league's finest goalscoring record.

January Transfer Window: Day 6

It may be a miserable Monday morning in Manchester, but news that Sergio Agüero's return is imminent will certainly slap smiles on the faces of Manchester City fans! Manuel Pellegrini revealed to Sky Sports News that the 19 goal striker is likely to return to first team action in a fortnight, and hasn't ruled out the possibility of the Argentine making a surprise early appearance in a week!

Another reason to drool comes with the news that the services of Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso have been offered to Manchester City. The Daily Star report that the Spanish giants have made the ex-Liverpool midfielder available to a host of clubs and although Manuel Pellegrini is keen to take Alonso on a free, a fee will have to be paid if he arrives in January.

(Xabi Alonso could join Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer)

Other News

Manchester City are keen for Swedish striker John Guidetti to gain Premier League experience and Sky Sports News understand that Stoke City have made enquiries over a loan move. The forward found himself on the sidelines after recovering from injury and is desperate to secure himself some first team football. 

And finally, after being rejected by Everton defender Johnny Heitinga, Sam Allardyce has turned his attentions to Manchester City's Joleon Lescott according to The Times. The Hammers boss is desperate to seal his leaky defence up after suffering an embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday.

(The Manchester City defender has been linked with over 10 clubs this January)

January Transfer Window: Day 5

According Rob Carne of football website Caught Offside, injury prone Manchester City defender Micah Richards has asked his agent to negotiate him a move away from the Etihad Stadium this month. The full-back still harbours dreams of making it into Roy Hodgson's 23 man England squad for the World Cup in Brazil next year and would reportedly love to join his boyhood club Arsenal. 

Another player  reportedly on his way out of the club and heading towards London this month is Edin Džeko. Caught Offside believe Chelsea manager José Mourinho is keen on bringing in the forward this month to remedy his sides' lack of fire-power up front, stating the Portuguese boss sees the Bosnian as a 'cheaper option'. 

However, Charlie Wyett of the Sun believes Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has made Džeko his number one target this summer and will offer £20m for the striker's services. 

(Edin Džeko has been linked with moves to both Arsenal and Chelsea this week)

Other News

In other news, former City starlet Denis Suárez has had his say on Manchester City's February Champions League clash with his new club FC Barcelona. Speaking to Barcelona's official website, the youngster revealed he is looking forward to the tie but is backing the Spanish side. 

'I really like this tie, it will be very open and I'll see my old friends', Suárez said. 'The match in Manchester will be very difficult for Barca because City, at home, are very strong'.

The midfielder added, 'the second game is at the Camp Nou, and if Barca play their brand of football it will be complicated for Manchester City'.

(The ex-City youngster joined Barcelona for an undisclosed fee last August)

Stevan Jovetić's fitness finally seems to be testing to patience of Manuel Pellegrini who wants the Montenegrin international to prove his fitness before the end of the season to convince him his £22m was well spent. The striker has played only three league games for his new club and continues to struggle with injuries.

Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 Manchester City

BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 - 1 MANCHESTER CITY
Dann 55'                                                                      Negredo 45'


Dann denies third-round fortune for City.

Scott Dann's 55th minute equaliser arranged a repellent replay for Manchester City who have played a plentiful 11 games in 35 days. Legs lumbered and heads hung, but it was a minority of City's 7,000 travelling fans that put in the most disappointing performance of the day.

Stand-in captain Joleon Lescott took to Twitter in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw to express his displeasure at crude remarks directed at him during the game by a clan of cowardly 'fans' sat in the Manchester City end. Encouragingly, however, the blues brothers of the social networking site came together to support the defender who put in a precise performance on Saturday afternoon.

(Angered: Joleon Lescott expresses his disappointment at offensive comments made to him by a portion of Manchester City fans at Ewood Park on Saturday)

Success seems to have warped the minds of a number of gluttonous City supporters who believe anything but a win is an unforgivable aberration. However, considering the blues have not lost a game since November 10th, it would be wise for that moaning minority to duly lock their lips shut.

Before the post match uproar, striker Álvaro Negredo put the visitors in front with a well-taken tap in on the stroke of half time. David Silva's corner was headed into the Spaniards path by Edin Džeko and City's reserved start to the game acquired some excitement. 


(Beastly: Álvaro Negredo celebrates his opener at Ewood Park)

Despite making four changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace on Saturday, Manuel Pellegrini still opted for a carnivorous eleven enchanted by the magic of David Silva and Fernandinho. The couple dictated Manchester City's play, albeit leisurely, in the first half of the tie, but they could do nothing to suppress the tenacity of an enthusiastic Rovers outfit. 

Gary Bowyer's side emerged from the tunnel hungry for an equaliser and it took them only 10 minutes to grab the imperative goal. Defender Scott Dann capitalised on some contemptible keeping from Costel Pantillimon and fired into the empty net to arouse the home crowd with the prospect of a monumental upset.

Strikers Edin Džeko and Rovers' top scorer Jordan Rhodes could do nothing to prevent their respective sides partaking in a regrettable replay on January 15th and not even Dedryck Boyata's late dismissal could swing things in the home sides favour.

One to forget, but we must never forget the pleasure our players bring and have brought us in the past. They represent the club, and so do you. 

Player Ratings

 Costel Pantillimon 5 - His day was ruined by an uncharacteristic error that just happened to allow Scott Dann in for Blackburn's equaliser. Unfortunate, but costly.

Dedryck Boyata 4 - A tough day for the Belgian who, in the unfamiliar role, was unable to prove the blues with any width or creativity down the flanks. Struggled throughout and got himself sent off.

Joleon Lescott 6 - Made a number of crucial headers and interceptions to prevent the Rovers securing an unlikely upset. However, his efforts were ignored by an ungrateful portion of the Manchester City crowd.

Matija Nastasić 6 - Comfortable on the ball but hesitant in the air. The young Serbian is beginning to acclimatize to first team football again, but never looks completely confident without Vincent Kompany beside him.

Gaël Clichy 6 - Similarly to Boyata on the opposite flank, the Frenchman failed to utilise his pace to offer his side an outlet down the flanks. Defensively, he is getting better, but Kolarov offers much more going forward.

David Silva 7 - Controlled the play with Fernandinho in the first half but will need to work on his finishing after blazing an excellent chance over the bar.

Fernandinho 7.5 - City's best player in the first half springing attacks and shielding his defence. Afforded a rest early into the second period and City's play suffered as a result.

Javi García 5 - Slow and steady from the Spaniard but too many of his passes go backwards rather than forwards.

James Milner 6 - A quiet birthday for the 28 year-old who failed to impose himself on proceedings.

Álvaro Negredo 6 - Showed great innovation with a number of Bergkamp-like touches and always looked the likeliest to open the scoring for City. However, passing accuracy and aggression was missing.

Edin Džeko 6.5 - Assisted Negredo and tested Robinson with a couple of fierce left-footed strikes.

Substitutes

Yaya Touré 6 - Wasn't expected to feature but City's lack of fire power made his introduction a necessity. Unfortunately, he couldn't influence the game.

Jesús Navas 6 - Looked set to be the man to install some life into City's play, and he did, but he also missed a great chance.

Pablo Zabaleta - No time to mark.

Match Stats

Possession: Blackburn Rovers 30%   Manchester City 70%

Shots: Blackburn Rovers 12   Manchester City 14

Shots on Target: Blackburn Rovers 3   Manchester City 5

Corners: Blackburn Rovers 6   Manchester City 8

Fouls: Blackburn Rovers 6   Manchester City 7

January Transfer Window: Day 4

Roberto Mancini is reportedly keen on bringing out-of-favour defender Joleon Lescott to Galatasaray with him. The pair worked together at Manchester City with Lescott featuring heavily in the Italian's plans in City's 2011/2012 Premier League title win. However, Sports Direct News believe the Englishman will snub a move to Turkey in favour of staying in England.

However, current boss Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that he wants to keep the defender at Manchester City, stating 'Joleon Lescott is a very important player for us'. (Goal.com)

(Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that Joleon Lescott remains in his plans)

Other News

In other news, Pellegrini has told the Manchester Evening News that he is happy with his sides' performances over the first half of the season, but has played down speculation that the club could win all four major trophies this season. 

Blackburn Rovers v Manchester City

                                                                 

Preview
FA Cup concocts a Rovers reunion for City

Manchester City will travel to Ewood Park for the first time in thirteen months on Saturday to renew a fourteen year feud with an old foe. A 4-1 victory in May 2000 secured promotion for the blues and a subsequent 3,000 man pitch invasion saw Ewood Park drown in a sea of sky blue. Desperate to quell those contemptible memories is Manchester born Gary Bowyer who will be salivating over thoughts of a shock win at the weekend.

Slumping in a tasteless tenth place, Blackburn Rovers may have to wait another year until they can party in the prestige of the Premier League once again. However, the sour scent of Championship football was never sniffed out by the Rovers who looked destined to re-join the to flight's elite just over three years ago. With the promise of funds and free chicken, Indian poultry company V H Group purchased the club under the name of Venky's London Limited for £23m in November 2010 but monumental pre tax-losses, failing managers and poor signings have sensationally sealed the club's unlikely demise. 

('Chicken one day; feathers the next': Venky's owners watch a Blackburn game)

However, three wins in their last five games has seen Bowyer's side achieve some imperative form as the Lancashire club aim to cling on to the dangling ropes of the play-off positions. With just two points separating the Rovers and sixth placed Ipswich Town, an escape route out of the Championship may just be in reach for the club that won the Premier League title back in 1995.

For Blackburn's Saturday opponents, the advantages of a successful takeover have exuberantly shown this season. Fifty-seven goals in 20 games have earned the blues the title of England's highest scoring team so far this campaign and the funds of Sheikh Mansour have been methodically moulded into maintaining success on the east side of Manchester. 

(Contrasting fortunes: Sheikh Mansour's takeover has seen Manchester City join the European elite)

With Manuel's minions still marching strong in all domestic competitions, Saturday's clash will certainly not be taken lightly by the savvy South-American who is keen to meet the owner's expectations of five trophies in five years. With travel sickness cured and a new year to conquer, Manchester City should continue their fine record at Ewood Park this weekend.

Line-Ups

With a semi-final clash against West Ham to look forward to on Wednesday night, Manuel Pellegrini's is expected to be tinkered with once again. Micah Richards and Martin Demichelis are expected to return to first team football next week whilst Stevan Jovetić is unlikely to be risked after reaching full fitness this week. John Guidetti and Jack Rodwell are the latest Manchester City casualties after assuming respective knee and hamstring injuries and will play no part in Saturday's tie.

(Stevan Jovetić could play a part in City's clash with West Ham United on Wednesday)

New signings Rudy Gestede and Tom Cairney are expected to feature for Blackburn against the sky blues on Saturday, whilst injuries to former Manchester City man Dickson Etuhu and goalkeeper Paul Robinson will keep the two former Premier League players out of the third round clash.

Predicted line-ups

Blackburn Rovers: Eastwood, Marshall, Spurr, Williamson, Dann, Hanley, Taylor, Cairney, Rhodes, Gestede, Campbell

Manchester City: Pantilimon, Boyata, Nastasic, Lescott, Clichy, Nasri, Fernandinho, Garcia, Milner, Navas, Dzeko

Key Players

Jordan Rhodes

The striker has already scored 16 goals this season and continues to operate as Blackburn's driving force in their push for promotion. A dream move to the Premiership was dealt a major blow two weeks ago when Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis ruled out a move for the striker. However, the Scotsman will be hoping to attract more potential suitors by hurting Manchester City's defence on Saturday.

Jesús Navas

An excellent performance against Swansea City on New Year's Day will almost certainly force the Spaniard into Pellegrini's weekend plans. His speed may be frightening, but his defensive work caught the eye of the City faithful on Wednesday afternoon which proved instrumental in the blues' narrow 3-2 victory. 

Head to Head Stats

• Manchester City have not lost at Ewood Park since September 2007
• In 10 Premier League away fixtures against the Rovers, Manchester City have scored 14 goals
• The blues sealed promotion to the Premier League in 2000 with a 4-1 win at Ewood Park
• The two teams have met 6 times in the FA Cup (City W3), (Blackburn W2) (Draw 1)
• The last time the sides met in the FA Cup was March 2007 when Blackburn won 2-0 in the 6th round

January Transfer Window: Day 3

A new meme created by Manchester City fan @Shaun_C_sXe has taken Twitter by storm this week! The meme, entitled '#WheresJovetic', depicts the Montenegrin striker in various famous settings around the world ranging from Nigella Lawson's kitchen to England's 1966 World Cup win. The City faithful have certainly tried to make light of the striker's unfortunate start to life in Manchester, and remarkably, it seems to have worked.

According to Goal.com, Manuel Pellegrini will welcome back the forward along with Micah Richards and Martin Demichelis who have been out with respective hamstring injuries. Jovetić has an outside chance of featuring at Blackburn this Saturday, but the Chilean has refused to risk the striker.

A striker who could be on his way out of the club in January is 21 year-old Swede John Guidetti. Reports from the Daily Mirror suggest West Ham United and Stoke City will battle for the forwards signature on loan to help them push away from the dreaded relegation zone.

Other News

The future of Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has dominated the back pages in the last few days with Besiktas, Galatasaray and Tottenham Hotspur all interested in the out of favour star. However, given City's defensive troubles so far this season, Manuel Pellegrini has told the Manchester Evening News that he will only consider sizeable bids for the man Mark Hughes paid £22m for in August 2009.

Constrastingly, the Daily Mail report that the Chilean will allow Lescott to leave on loan this January but only to a Premier League club. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United head the list of English clubs interested in the centre-back.

And finally, Sporting Lisbon look set to snatch Nigerian starlet Kelechi Iheanacho from under the noses of Manchester City after talkSPORT announced the Portuguese club had offered more money than the blues. The striker fired his side to a massive U17 World Cup win in November but the highly rated forward looks to have chosen Portugal over England.