Manchester City fullback Angelino had a difficult game against Manchester United at the weekend, with many fans surprised he was selected ahead of Benjamin Mendy.
After the game, manager Pep Guardiola explained that Angelino is simply playing at a higher level than his left-back rival at the moment:
“In that moment Angelino feels better and plays better than the other one in this position.”
It is a claim that has been disputed by a number of City supporters on Twitter who don’t believe the 22-year-old is good enough to be in the starting eleven:
He was dreadful yesterday but on the other hand he was again exposed by a sub standard back line. Neither him or Cancelo shouldnt have been brought into this simple fact the decision not to sign a Kompany replacement is scandalous
— Fletcher Skim (@DaveSkimmin) December 8, 2019
Yesterday was horrible
— jokerhystericalface (@jokerhysterica2) December 8, 2019
I think hes a fantastic attacking left mid not good enough defensively
— zach dahl (@DahlZach) December 8, 2019
He just isn’t at the level required….decent player and committed though.
— The Chief (@chiefmessiah) December 8, 2019
He has done okay at times but is miles off the level we need
— Pep is a Blue ???? +? (@PepisaBlue) December 8, 2019
He’s been awful imo and doesn’t deserve to be anywhere near the team but he’s all we’ve got
— Jack_J (@JackJoyny) December 8, 2019
We need a new lb and offload one of ours maybe Ben chilwell
— Jac Cambrook (@CambrookJac) December 8, 2019
inconsistent
— J4KÛBッツ (@J4KUBCT1D) December 9, 2019
Mendy better
— ً (@i2saleh) December 8, 2019
Weak
— Pedro G ?? (@PedrodiedrichG) December 8, 2019
Angelino wasn’t great against United with the defender being run ragged by Daniel James, whilst also failing to get the block in for Anthony Martial’s goal that put United 2-0 up.
Some of the criticism would be tempered if he offered something in the final third of the pitch, but he hasn’t managed to score or provide an assist since his return to the Etihad Stadium in the summer.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko back in training, the Ukrainian may well get his place back in the side far easier than expected considering Angelino’s less than stellar displays.
