Witnessing Cole Palmer emerge as Chelsea’s match-winner in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain may have been bittersweet for Pep Guardiola.
Considering Palmer claimed Guardiola “taught” him everything about the game itself, the Catalan tactician would have felt proud to see the 23-year-old come alive at the biggest stage once again.
On the other hand, the Manchester City boss could have felt a sense of regret as the Sky Blues let the Englishman go in 2023.
Guardiola has been slated for Palmer’s sale, much like Jose Mourinho came under fire for not giving Kevin De Bruyne enough of a chance before his rise at Wolfsburg and City.
Oscar Bobb could look for Man City exit like Cole Palmer if he remains a bit-part player
Luckily for Manchester City, they have another gifted number 10 in Oscar Bobb who has all the talent in the world.
Manchester City rate Bobb similarly to Palmer and they would like to keep him at all costs in the long run.
Oscar Bobb controls an incoming ball during Manchester City vs Al Ain.
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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However, if the Norwegian international remains a bit-part player at the Etihad Stadium next season, it is easy to foresee that he would follow in the Wythenshawe-born attacker’s footsteps by departing City.
While a fractured foot marred Bobb’s potential rise last season, it is important to consider that he has started a mere five games for Manchester City in totality; and in the following campaign, unless Pep Guardiola makes him a crucial first-team player, the youngster would understandably become frustrated.
With Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden being City’s go-to attacking midfielders, the Oslo-born technician’s best chance of nailing down a place in the starting XI is on the right-wing.
Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of Savinho but as the two-time treble-winner admitted, he needs to become more decisive in the final third to become a world-class winger — registering three goals and 13 assists in total for Manchester City.
SAVINHO STATS FOR MAN CITY
APPEARANCES 48
GOALS 3
ASSISTS 13
Considering Bobb shone on the right flank against Manchester United in the FA Community Shield, during the Sky Blues’ pre-season tour of the United States last year and in games such as against Red Star Belgrade and Newcastle United, he could certainly make the position his own.
Oscar Bobb has already revealed where his future lies
Bobb confirmed he wants to stay at City as he believes he could be given regular playing time.
“Everyone wants to play regularly every week. I wouldn’t have said I wanted to stay at City if I didn’t think it was possible.”
However, if Bobb’s confidence is not rewarded with chances to start frequently next season, perhaps he might feel it is time to bid farewell to Manchester City and become a star elsewhere, much like Palmer and Liam Delap.