Midfield Competition Heating Up at City
Competition for a midfield spot next season is heating up, and Kenny McLean has backed his young midfield compatriot Jacob Wright to be firmly in the mix.
Last season would have been a frustrating one for Wright, who made just 13 Championship starts after leaving such a strong impression during his loan spell at the club the previous campaign.
Trialled in both advanced and deeper roles, that versatility should aid the former Manchester City academy product as he looks to push his claims for more minutes in pre-season and beyond.
McLean Confident in Wright's Potential
Many feel Wright is a ready-made replacement for McLean in the medium to long term, and the City skipper is confident the talented youngster will play a bigger part next term.
No doubt Jacob will want to play more, and I'm sure he'll be pushing for more minutes next season. I'm confident he can play a bigger role, McLean said.
I see him day in, day out and the work he puts in every single day. He's somebody who constantly wants to improve and keeps wanting to learn.
Under the manager, especially in the final few months of the season, I saw so much progression in his game and so much growth. There's still plenty more to come from him, which is exciting, because I want to help Jacob fulfil the potential he's got.
Strong Midfield Options for Next Season
But with City in the market for another midfielder, of which Sam Field returning is an option having enjoyed his time at Carrow Road, that will add another body the 20-year-old needs to get in front of.
There will be fierce competition for midfield places in the City team next term.
McLean and Pelle Mattsson were Philippe Clement's preferred duo when fit last term, while Mirko Topic is set for a return late in pre-season. Liam Gibbs prefers a deeper central role, before factoring in the likes of Gabe Forsyth, who is still on the comeback trail from injury and yet to be assessed by City's chief.
It makes for a strong set of options, and there is no lack of choice in the attacking midfield mix, with Oscar Schwartau, Paris Maghoma, and Anis Ben Slimane all firmly in the conversation.
However, that healthy battle for places is something McLean admits all those in the squad should be embracing.
Yes, and that's what we need. That's what makes good teams. That's what makes good squads. Somebody pushing each other daily.
I mentioned a few names there, but there's more. It's something you need in a good squad, a squad that's going to be competing at the top end of the table. You need competition in every position.
We're going to have that in midfield, and hopefully we've got that right across the pitch.