How has 21-year-old Leroy Sane become integral to Manchester City?

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Not everyone can say they made their Premier League debut in the Manchester Derby, but Leroy Sane certainly can. Having signed for Manchester City from Schalke for £43 million, the young German was thrust into Premier League action against Manchester United with the scoreline at 2-1.

Sane impressed in glimpses during his first half an hour of English football and nearly claimed an assist as Kevin de Bruyne latched on to his square ball only to hit the inside of the post.

His next two appearances, after his introduction at Old Trafford, came from the bench and resulted in only 27 minutes of game-time. However, it wasn’t long before the German was ready to start his first game for the Citizens.

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Although his dribbling looked neat during his first few appearances, he didn’t catch the eye quite like he used to at Schalke and found himself in and out the starting XI. However, the 21-year-old was being quietly efficient upon every start he was granted; making at least one key pass almost every time he has played from the first whistle.

Sane has grown in stature at City since, after a string of good performances and a full recovery from the injury he picked up in the 2-1 win against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, and subsequently, the German has been granted a first-team spot.

He scored in back to back league appearances for the first time against Arsenal and Tottenham and, although the games were a month apart (he was ruled out for the period in between), he showed the signs that he hadn’t lost any form or confidence upon his return, from what could have been a significant setback.

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Since his recovery, Manchester City are unbeaten and the former Schalke man has looked very impressive. Pep Guardiola said after the win at Bournemouth: “He has a quality that is difficult to find. Even without the ball he’s getting better. He’s so aggressive when he doesn’t have it. Hopefully, he can keep going”

No City player has averaged more per 90 minutes than Sane, but, as Pep Guardiola alludes to, the German is also impressive off the ball. He has completed an average of 2.2 tackles and 6.4 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, making him the top forward in City’s side for both these statistics.

Sane has proven himself a perfect fit for Guardiola’s system and will be hoping to continue his form. The Spanish manager has already gone on record to suggest Sane, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are the future of the club and if the trio continue to go about business as they are, it could be a very successful spell ahead for the Etihad outfit.

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