Manchester City: Key positions to reassess this summer

First-Choice Goalkeeper

Current options: Claudio Bravo, Willy Caballero, Joe Hart and Angus Gunn

Perhaps the biggest controversy since Pep Guardiola’s arrival began when he told City legend Joe Hart that is would not be his first choice goalkeeper. Guardiola likes to begin his attack from the back and prefers a goalkeeper to play the short pass to his defenders when leaving the zone. Claudio Bravo was then purchased from FC Barcelona as the number one choice goalkeeper, as he is renowned for his control of the ball when it is at his feet. Hart, who has made 348 appearances for the club since 2006, was eventually loaned out to Serie A side Torino for the season.

Claudio Bravo hasn’t been as quick to adapt to the English game and has not been called upon for the squads last three matches (two Premier League and one FA Cup). Instead, Guardiola has chosen Caballero as his last line of defense. The big Argentine is out of contract at the end of season and that leaves Guardiola with some big choices to make.

With a season away to stay healthy and gain regular playing time, Guardiola may recall the out-of-favor England International. Hart has been an instrumental part of the City defense and has continued to protect Manchester City at the back. While he may not play the style that Guardiola prefers, there is no denying that he keeps the ball out of the net.

Angus Gunn, who featured in the pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund, is another choice to make his way into the City squad. He would make an understudy to Bravo, if he improves on this lackluster campaign.

Although I don’t see City going to the market for a goalkeeper this summer, it might be something to monitor with Chelsea’s Courtois reportedly no longer happy in London.