5 Premier League Players I Wish Played for City

As I sit and write this, we are due to line up against Arsenal later on this afternoon at the Etihad Stadium. And I wouldn’t be overly concerned, but for the fact that Robin Van Persie will no doubt be playing. Arsenal’s transformation in recent weeks has coincided with RVP hitting a rich vein of form – when he’s on fire he’s unplayable (see his hat-trick against Chelsea or his stunning volley last week against Everton for evidence) and with our somewhat leaky defence I’m a little apprehensive about the game.

There’s been talk this week of RVP joining City for 40+ million in the summer, and while I think that’s probably tabloid rumour manufacturing, he’s one of a handful of current Premier League players I would love to see turning out for City. Here are four more…

Juan Mata – Chelsea

Mata ran the show at Stamford Bridge on Monday and his skill on the touchline to nutmeg Kompany and break away was sublime. Check out this for skill too (I apologise for the dreadful music – whoever put this video together wants shooting)

Scott Parker – Tottenham

I was surprised that Scott Parker started this season still at West Ham, I would have thought there would be numerous clubs desperately vying for his signature in the transfer window. I watched Spurs play Fulham at Craven Cottage a few weeks back and Scott Parker was immense in midfield, breaking up play, throwing himself 100% into challenges and distributing the ball really intelligently. This video demonstrates Parkers work rate nicely.

Gareth Bale – Tottenham

The second Spurs player on this list. Gareth Bale is another of those players who is unplayable when on form. He’s ridiculous at times – such as that game against Inter Milan in last seasons Champions League. Raw pace and power with immense drive and a great strike, he must be a formidable opponent when he is running full throttle towards you. I actually think that the next couple of years will be his best as a footballer, because as his career progresses and he loses a few yards of pace he won’t be quite the same player. I’ll enjoy watching him while I can.

Luis Suarez – Liverpool

I’m not sure I would actually want Suarez in the City team, as he’s clearly a bit of a nasty little shit – career CV to date reads cheating, biting and alleged racism – but he is such a talented footballer and so effective at what he does that I could almost forgive his personal characteristics. Almost.