(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Pep Guardiola reveals how Man City winger Savinho can truly become 'top-class player'

Ciaran Morrison
Ciaran Morrison

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

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Savinho could still be an important player under Pep Guardiola this season despite the Brazilian nearly leaving the club in the transfer window.

Spurs were linked with a move for Savinho, with Man City wanting £67million for the winger just one year after he had joined the club.

The Brazilian made his first start of the season for the club against Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup, and is pushing to start against Burnley this weekend.

Man City's 1-1 draw at Arsenal leaves Guardiola's side ninth in the Premier League table, eight points off leaders Liverpool.

Savinho in a Man City shirt running during a match
Savinho could make his first Premier League start of the season vs Burnley. (Credit: Imago)

Savinho told by Pep Guardiola what he must do to become 'top-class player'

With Man City dealing with injuries to Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki, Savinho currently has an opportunity to earn minutes on the pitch.

Guardiola though, as per BBC Sport [26 September], has issued the 21-year-old with advice on how he can improve his game.

"Always for the people up front it is about numbers, goals and assists. Savinho created a lot last season but in the final third, the final moment he was a little bit too hectic," Guardiola said.

"But the moment he learns that, because he is so young, the more he improves, he'll be a top class player because he can play on both sides, he's got the speed and the work ethic.

"Savio will make this step, naturally it will come and he will be a top player for Man City."

Savinho only scored once in the Premier League last season in 29 appearances, another metric he will have to improve to start for Man City.

Key areas where Savinho must improve his game

Another area Savinho must improve on is his defensive work as illustrated by his stats in the Premier League last season.

Minutes Played1,770
Fouls Committed0.86
Dribbled Past0.46
Ariel Duels Won 0.05
Dispossessed1.93
Savinho defensive stats per 90 in the 2024-25 Premier League, as per Fotmob.

Despite only scoring the one goal, Savinho ranked highly in attacking statistics, but his crossing accuracy was just 20.2%.

The Brazilian needs to work on his end product, with Erling Haaland currently scoring the majority of the goals, Guardiola could welcome a source from out wide.

The problem is the same for Jeremy Doku, who scored just three goals in the Premier League last season.

Marmoush and Cherki returning from injury in the future may solve that issue.

Manchester City
Pep Guardiola
Savinho
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