The next step for a young defender is a role in the Manchester City squad
The next step for a young defender is a role in the Manchester City squad It would not come as a major surprise if John Stones and Nathan Ake departed Manchester City at the end of this season. Both players have been integral components of Pep Guardiola’s squad during their time at the club, but age and constant injury issues have caught up with the pair. If the pair were to depart City this summer, it would open up a spot in defense in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
One player who seems ready to make the step up into the City squad is young Brazilian defender Vitor Reis. Vitor Reis has excelled out on loan with Girona this season, and the next step for him is a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Vitor Reis has come on in leaps and bounds this season.
When Vitor Reis joined Girona on loan for the 25/26 season, it was hoped that he’d further develop his game in Spain. The young centre-back has taken the opportunity presented to him at Girona and thrived as a player, so much so that he was recently rewarded with his first call-up to the Brazilian national team. Based on Vitor Reis’ talent and potential, that won’t be his last international call-up for Brazil.
Throughout this season Vitor Reis has been a mainstay in the Girona defence. What immediately catches the eye is how calm and composed the young Brazilian defender is in possession. In statistics sourced from FotMob , Vitor Reis has completed 1277 passes this season in 27 matches this season.
Given how Girona play a possession based style of football, Vitor Reis has shone as a ball-playing defender. He has also created 8 chances and added an assist. Being a centre-back that is comfortable in possession is a prerequisite for playing in a Pep Guardiola side.