Manchester City are reportedly parting with £37 million to sign Leroy Sane from FC Schalke but while the 20 year-old has bags of potential, he’s also not the finished article.
The German youngster is still a work in progress but has plenty he can bring to the table as well.
Here, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of City’s big-money signing.
STRENGTHS
Dribbling
By far the most eye-catching aspect of Sane’s play is his ability running with the ball at his feet. No player in the Bundesliga completed more successful dribbles (91) than him. His exceptional technique means he is also comfortable taking players on with either foot.
Pace
Added to his close control and willingness to attack defenders, is his pace which, of course, will suit the Premier League down to a tee. Any open space is quickly exploited and he could prove an excellent asset in the closing stages of matches.
Finishing
Eight league goals is a modest return for an attack-minded player but 29 of his 68 attempts in the Bundesliga were from outside the penalty area and he has shown real composure when presented with chances from close range, something he should receive with greater frequency playing under Guardiola.
He fits the Pep mould
As a quick, slight, technically-gifted playmaker with bags of potential, he very much fits the Guardiola model. Sane represents a fascinating project for the Catalan who has shown time and time again how he can improve and adapt players to fit his system.
WEAKNESSES
Passing
It all taps into the fact Sane remains very raw and Schalke were sad to see him go not just because of the talent they were losing but also because it’s perhaps a season too soon for him to make the step up.
The 20-year-old can be a little careless in possession – he was among the top 10 most dispossessed players in the Bundesliga – while his passing accuracy of 77.5 per cent will surely make Guardiola wince.
Decision Making
Not unlike another winger/forward who City signed last season from considerable cash, Sane is Raheem Sterling-esque in how he can frustrate in the final third; shooting when he should pass and vice versa.
His desire to run at full tilt sometimes means he doesn’t always see the options around him and he has, on occasion, been guilty of overplaying when in promising situations.
Inconsistency
As with all young talent at his age, Sane can go from world beater to anonymous in the blink of an eyelid. Given he’s only made 47 first team appearances that is no crime but the pressure will be on for him to produce performances of greater consistency.
What’s his best position?
Where will he fit in?
Given how Guardiola moulds players into positions previously not considered, this could even be considered a strength, but it remains unclear whether Sane is best suited as a winger – on the right or the left – or as a No10, so he could be some time until we see his very best.
There is also the possibility of him playing as a second striker… while he could also become a classic Guardiola false nine.