- Stones departure opens space
- Ake’s future remains uncertain
- Reis has made his stance clear
Vitor Reis might have had to leave Manchester City to achieve regular football, but everything is now falling into place for him to return with a genuine first-team role next season.
Vitor Reis was unhappy when Man City decided to loan him out. After signing the Brazilian at the start of this season, the Sky Blues sent the defender to Spain.
However, after looking at the competition, Reis realised that a season at Girona was the best decision. Man City have six senior centre-backs at the moment, with two of them departing soon.
Fast forward to today, Reis has made 30 starts in La Liga for Girona. He has also blocked the most shots (37) of all defenders in the Spanish top flight.
Defensive departures can open up space for Vitor Reis
With John Stones’ departure officially confirmed, there is one less player Reis will have to fight at City next season.
Nathan Ake is also rumoured to be leaving the Etihad this summer. The defender himself hinted at the uncertainty in an interview back in March, saying, “I have no idea, but winning the Carabao would certainly be a nice ending.”
However, despite the possible exit of two central defenders, Reis still has to face the likes of Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol for the starting spot.
Guehi and Khusanov remain starters under Guardiola at the moment, as both Dias and Gvardiol are out due to injury.
Pep Guardiola is impressed and Reis would like to return
Guardiola hasn’t held back his praise for Reis as the Catalan manager is following the Brazilian’s development at Girona.
However, despite a favourable opinion, Guardiola didn’t hint at an immediate return to Man City. Instead, the gaffer said that a decision will be made at the end of the season.
Reis, on the other hand, has talked about his desire for a return to the Etihad. Despite the eagerness, he is still focused on his role with Girona and would like to end the season on a high note.
Nevertheless, with Stones and Ake departing, Reis has a chance to return to City next season. The Brazilian can make cup appearances for the Citizens and slowly move his way up in the pecking order.
What Reis can learn from Khusanov
Khusanov can serve as an example for Reis. Despite committing a mistake against Chelsea on his debut, the Uzbek defender has become a starter under Guardiola in the absence of Dias and Gvardiol.
Khusanov didn’t become an overnight starter, but being ready for his opportunity helped him step up when he was needed.
Guardiola doesn’t want young defenders to be perfect, as the Catalan manager even defended Khusanov after his debut.
Now at 22, he’s become one of the most reliable defenders in Guardiola’s eyes. Likewise, Reis will have to follow a similar route.
Impressing in cup games will be the first step, and when opportunities arise, he’ll have to step up like Khusanov to get regular minutes at the Etihad.
