Are Manchester City better off without Tevez?

In 2009 Tevez made a shock move from the red side of Manchester to join those noisy sky blue neighbours, they paid an estimated £25.5 million to sign the controversial Argentinean striker and since then he has become a symbol of the rise to prominence of the Citizens. Appearing on the ‘Welcome to Manchester’ posters around the city and amassing a formidable 43 goals in 66 games in his time at Eastlands (or now the Etihad Stadium). Only Robin Van Persie has a better goal to minute’s ratio with the City captain netting a goal every 123 minutes in the past 2 seasons compared to the Dutchman's goal every 115 (Although Van Persie has played less games)

Surely that means Tevez’s departure would be catastrophic for City, they won’t just be losing their top goal scorer, but the figurehead for the Manchester revolution and most importantly their captain. Mancini has spent big money on his strike force though, but it has been Tevez, who was brought in under the old manager Mark Hughe's reign, who has provided the cutting edge, as Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and Emanuel Adebayor have struggled to find any kind of consistency.

The problem for City with Tevez is that, with him playing, he is the focal point of all attacks; all play is built around his movement, so when another striker partners him, they end up out of the game, secluded. This is why I think City need to get rid of Tevez, not just because his heart is no longer in it, but to let the wealth of talent on the bench thrive.

Mario Balotelli may have a temper but he has the potential to be a truly world class striker and it is he who I fully expect to fill the Argentines shoes when he eventually packs his bags and leaves, we saw moments of class from in the FA cup final and given a starring role up top I believe he will thrive. Not forgetting Bosnian strike sensation Edin Dzeko, who in his time at Eastlands may have been criticised for not contributing with many goals, however his link up play has helped to bring other gifted players into the game, providing opportunities for mercurial Spaniard David Silva, and talisman Yaya Toure.

If and when Tevez goes though replacement will be brought in there is no doubt, especially with City’s ridiculous financial backing. But who could come in and replace him? Mancini’s top target is said to be Athletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero and again I think Mancini has it spot on with his selection. Aguero is a player who can fill Tevez’s boots and more, he has fantastic movement, provides a wealth of assists, scores goals and has a burst of pace like few others with his ability do. Batista’s Argentina are already reaping the rewards of a Tevezless side with Aguero netting twice against Costa Rica in the Copa America, so maybe City need to follow suit and see away with the old and in with the new.

Whatever Tevez decides to do, the fact remains he wants to leave, and a disruptive player is not what a team of City’s ambition need, he needs to be shipped out as soon as possible and the team can start from there. 

John Fernandez