MY ACCOUNT
Manchester City are in need of full-back reinforcements and have set their sights on Aaron Hickey.
The 20-year-old only joined Brentford from Bologna last summer and has made 21 league appearances for the West Londoners this season.
However, reports suggest the full-back could already be on the move again with the Bees slapping a £30million price tag on the youngster.
As the title-chasing Citizens visit Fulham, we look at why Pep Guardiola has taken a shine towards the Scottish international.
Modern full-back
Guardiola is likely to target a full-back who is comfortable operating in midfield — unlike Kyle Walker, who the Spaniard believes is only capable of tucking in to form a back three.
He said: “Walker cannot [invert into midfield]. To play inside, you have to make some educated movements.
“He has other characteristics. He will always have pace. He will be the fastest in this room at 60 years old. The reason why is tactical. It’s not because we lost faith in Kyle.
“He can play coming inside, and he has done it many times, but like in the position against Liverpool with Rodri and John [Stones], he will maybe need time to do it, and we don’t have time.”
Walker’s successor?
Walker is also 32, so Hickey’s youth may be as much of a draw as his quality on the ball.
The Glasgow native has proven himself to be capable in possession, completing 114 passes in the final third, 18 long balls and 13 take-ons so far this season, while also being fouled 31 times.
Brentford’s No2 is also capable of playing on both flanks, courtesy of his rare two-footedness.
Pressley’s praise
Brentford’s coordinator of talent management, Steven Pressley, credited Hickey’s physical development as a key factor in his recent improvement.
Ex-Celtic defender Pressley said: “Aaron is a player with really big potential and even in the period he has been with us, he has improved a lot.
“When he got injured at Brentford, he did a lot of gym work during his rehab and he has now grown into his body.
“He looks so much stronger and he has come back really well. I think he is going to be a top, top player in the years ahead.”
Defensive aptitude
This season, Hickey has made 35 tackles, 17 interceptions and won 79 ground duels — illustrating an impressive work-rate out of possession.
However, there is still plenty of room for improvement.
The 20-year-old endured a difficult outing in his side’s recent 3-3 draw with Brighton, giving away a penalty in a contest where he struggled to contend with Seagulls winger Karou Mitoma.
His raw potential is clear to see though and learning his trade under Guardiola would likely see Hickey smooth out any rough edges as he looks to develop into a top full-back.
Facing Fulham
Fulham, proved a tough opponent for City in this season’s reverse fixture, holding the champions until the 96th minute before Erling Haaland scored a penalty to seal their victory.
The Citizens boast one of the best defensive records in the league — conceding just 29 goals — and will lean on that strength as they look to ensure they lift the title once more.
As good as they already are, Guardiola will already be looking for ways to ensure his side continue to evolve — and adding Hickey could be just how they do that.
