This is a good and important buy. With Lampard heading off to the red, white and blue and Fernandinho and co. not really having the legs this season, putting in someone younger and fresher who can last the distance is a good start. Kondogbia is that old-skool midfielder that isn't flashy but vital. Hard-working, gets nasty, intercepts and makes the midfield meaty and hard to break down, which is how you can tip close matches in your favour.
But City's problems are not just personnel, because their squad is good. A few players don't fit in, but the main issue is the manager. Even if Kondogbia comes as well as others, Mourinho will have Pellegrini's number when it comes to tactics and getting results over the campaign. One player can't change that. But Kondogbia under a coach like Simeone, then perhaps you will see a more physical team that will defend better and concede less whilst getting the goals they need to win matches. Pellegrini can't spell defence let alone teach it. And Kondogbia is perhaps better suited to the defensive kind of system Monaco play.
Let's see what else City do this summer, but this would be a good signing, but does not begin to convince me that City have what it takes to take down the might of Mourinho who will also replenish as well.
HH
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