With Antoine Semenyo out for a sustained period due to a knee injury, there is an opportunity for other players to make an impact in attack for Manchester City. Phil Foden scored a hat trick last night as City breezed past AEK Athens to pick up a 5-1 win. Foden looms as a vital player for Enzo Maresca’s side, irrespective of Semenyo’s absence. However, Semenyo’s injury has further highlighted Foden’s importance to his team. Another player who made an impact for Manchester City last night was Brazilian winger Allan. Allan showed last night that City may have unearthed a gem who can play a bigger role for them in Semenyo’s absence.
Allan put in an impressive display last night on the left wing to help Manchester City beat AEK Athens.
Enzo Maresca elected to start Allan on the left wing last night against AEK Athens. Typically, Allan operates on the right wing. However, he is a versatile player who can be dangerous on either wing. Allan’s performance last night was full of promise and he showed exactly what he can add to this Manchester City side.
Allan was a constant threat down Manchester City’s left wing throughout last night’s match. His dribbling stood out as he completed 4/5 successful dribbles. One driving run by the Brazilian winger in the first from just inside his own half to the byline on the left-hand side being a stand out moment. Allan consistently threatened the AEK Athens defence throughout last night’s match with his oace and dribbling ability.
In fact, it was Allan who helped set up Rayan Cherki’s goal that helped City snuff out any hope of an AEK Athens comeback when the score was 2-1 in the 57th minute. It was Allan’s tenacity and that ability to drive past a man after stumbling and recovering after receiving an Enzo Fernandez pass in the penalty area that saw him get to the byline and play a quality low cross across the six-yard area. No City player was on hand for a tap-in, but the ball eventually found Phil Foden on the right. Foden teed up Rayan Cherki, who, as always, produced a moment of magic to beat Alberto Brignoli and give City a 3-1 lead. Cherki’s brilliance was on full display, but so was what Allan brings to this City side.
Allan also worked tirelessly out of possession for his team last night. He won 7/12 duels and worked tirelessly out of possession for his team. In his first start in the UEFA Champions League, Allan made quite the impression.
An opportunity is now in front of Allan and he has the talent and work ethic to take it.
Antoine Semenyo’s injury is a blow for Manchester City. There is no doubt about that. However, Semenyo’s misfortune does create an opportunity for others to play a more prominent role and get more minutes. Allan could, and likely will, be a beneficiary of an unfortunate situation. The Brazilian winger showed last night, and against Norwich City, that he can add a different dynamic to Manchester City’s attack. He is yet to play against high-quality opponents, but he has the tools to handle that step up based on what he has shown so far.
Manchester City may have found a gem in Allan. The sample size is small from what we have seen from him for City. However he has made an impact and shown that he could become an important player for this City side.