It’s hard to find something that really stands out among the available options. It’s even more difficult if you start comparing any possible purchase with Rodri, who is the best in the world.
Zubimendi has defensive qualities that will stand out for City: his tackles (2.6), interceptions (1.1) and clearances (2.2) per 90 minutes are the best among the players featured in this article.
His passing accuracy is pretty solid at 86.9%, but his number of passes attempted is among the lowest. However, you have to take into account the team you play for. Sociedad is a good team, but they are in eighth place in La Liga; he would see the ball even more at City.
It also depends on what type of midfielder City are targeting and what role they expect him to play when Rodri returns.
Rodri himself is versatile and has developed his game to add more dribbling and advancement; It is not ruled out that he will occupy a central midfield role upon his return.
That may mean City want a defensively solid option, like Zubimendi or Wharton.
If Rodri remains in the sixth role, defensive midfielder, then City could opt for an on-ball midfielder and that means Reijnders and Calhanoglu (he has the highest passes into the final third among the contenders) will come to the fore with their impressive accuracy in the pass. .
There is also the unknown. Torino, for which Ricci plays, are currently 11th in Serie A. He would be alongside better players and have more ball at City. Is there untapped potential that City can unlock?
