Twenty eight years of age and under the stewardship of one of the greatest managers ever – Sergio Aguero would be quite right in wondering – what exactly is happening?
The prolific Argentine striker is going through one of the toughest periods of his City career, unknown territory for a striker who’s always been so vital in any team he’s played for prior.
Whilst a certain Pep Guardiola is busy plumping for the teenage talents of a new acquisition up front, the former Atlético fan favourite must know with absolute certainty that most Premier League sides would happily chew their own arms off in order to have him in their squads.
Therein lies the frustration of the man. Regarded as ‘the only world-class player in the EPL by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer a couple of months back, Aguero will no doubt be having his head turned by Europe’s elite clubs despite his love for a side that has brought him two league titles.
Admittedly, the Argentine has looked way short of his best after his return from serving a straight red card suspension against Chelsea.
Although his 11 goals in 14 apps doesn’t quite make for ugly viewing on reflection (not to mention 4 MOM appearances), his inability to inspire others around him has become a telling factor on the clubs feeble attempt to keep pace with Chelsea as the season has worn on.
Various publications, such as the Guardian, deem it likely that his ‘slump’ has meant footballing royalty Real Madrid are likely to entice this rapid striker from his City purge.
Indeed, he looks nowhere near replicating his early season form leading Guardiola to drop him to the bench in recent weeks in order to try something new, perhaps giving the Argentine a breather in the process.
Such a move may prove a master striker if the Word Cup finalist does indeed return to the City fold with a vengeance, saying that, a chance to play for the most consistent Champions League performers in recent years must ring the bell of the forward at this telling juncture in his career.
To make matters worse, the man who has replaced him in the current line-up, 19-year-old- Gabriel Jesus, doesn’t look like giving up his opportunity freely.
From scoring a last-minute winner most recently at the Etihad to his all action overall contribution to the team. Jesus has bought renewed hope, energy and luck to the Manchester side as finally a mini winning run has formed.
In light of the tabloid talk, when recently asked regarding Aguero’s future at the club, Guardiola has insisted that the Argentine remains central to his plans and will play with or without Jesus in the team in the near future.
For now, Pep seems hesitant to dismantle the winning formula he seems to have finally found. Aguero must be patient now, more than ever before. And as they say ‘ form is temporary while class is permanent’. The Argentinian striker must be certainly hoping that the latter holds true for him in the near future.