If City are to look for alternatives, Cole is convinced they need look no further than Selhurst Park. Wharton has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers, establishing himself as one of the most composed young midfielders in Europe. His ability to dictate tempo and break lines with precise passing has drawn comparisons to the very best, making him a natural candidate for Guardiola’s possession-heavy system.
"Adam’s a great player, a great passer of the ball, he’d suit that Pep style of play," Cole enthused. The England youngster possesses the technical security and tactical intelligence that are non-negotiable prerequisites for any pivot playing under the Catalan manager. Unlike a traditional destroyer, Wharton offers the progressive distribution that City rely on to dismantle low blocks, making him arguably the ideal long-term successor - or immediate competitor - for Rodri.
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