Man City close to signing John Stones 2.0

Manchester City have struggled so far this season, finding themselves in an unfamiliar position, not only 12 points off the top but also two points outside the top four in Premier League. The Citizens have won just 10 of their first 20 games, drawing four and losing six, which is double the three defeats they suffered in the whole of last season.

In spite of taking only 9.7 shots per game on average (at least in the Premier League), xG conceded per shot is extremely high, with every shot conceded on average 0.17 xG value (highest in the division).

Much of that can be down to the injury to Rodri, who has been an ever-present for Pep Guardiola since joining in 2019, not only pacing the ball but protecting the side in transition (an area they have struggled with in the campaign so far).

With these issues lingering, Manchester City look poised to attack the transfer market in January, plug the gaps to improve their defensive record (especially their ability to defend in transition) and put things right with a strong second half of the season.

Manchester City are closing in on a January 1 signing

According to reports Fabrizio RomanoManchester City have ‘agreed personal terms’ with Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis. The package would reportedly be worth around €40m (£33m) and the deal is now ‘moving forward quickly’ between all parties.

Many other clubs were interested in the 18-year-old (including Brighton), but City look as if they are ready to act ahead of the rest, to go ahead of their rivals to sign the young defender.

City have done well to lure some of South America’s best young talent away from their homeland in years past, with Gabriel Jesus being one prominent example.

Perhaps the best work they did from that part of the world was Julian Alvarez. Lured from River Plate before sell it for a huge profit (£81m)this could be a move that goes down just as well at the Etihad.

How Reis compares to John Stones

Reis is regarded as one of Brazil’s top talents, with data analyst Ben Mattinson labeling the defender “A John Stones guy” because of his passing quality, his “pause” on the ball and his intelligence in and out of possession.

There are only stones he made 12 appearances for City this seasonscoring three goals and contributing three clean sheets in 673 minutes so far.

But City’s poor run of form started with Stones out through injury and continued in his absence, signaling the need for defensive reinforcements.

Reis is a similar 6-foot height to the Stones, but currently has a much slimmer build. But that doesn’t stop him from getting stuck in, as at such a young age he brilliantly understands how to use his body in duels, when to be aggressive and when to back off. His defensive actions per 90 highlight this, making 1.87 tackles and winning 3.08 aerial duels per 90.

While Stones is currently well ahead in passing and progressive metrics, you can identify the skill set of Reis, who could see monumental improvements in his underlying numbers, playing on an elite team that circulates possession more regularly, given that he would receive nearly double the touch/pass attempts per 90 (see Stones for reference).

While the Brazilian centre-back is by no means a finished product, he has all the attributes of an elite-level centre-back. Given time to build up his upper body and training under one of/if not the best manager in the world, Reis could become one of the best defenders in the Premier League for years to come.