Guardiola Desperate: Could a Chelsea Outcast Save Manchester City's Season

Pep Guardiola is desperate for Manchester City to get back to being a winning team and knows he needs reinforcements. Although they already won against Leicester, the citizens are far from the fight for the Premier League title and that is why the Spanish coach would be willing to sign a defender who was once a Chelsea reject and is now one of the best in the league, Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

Marc Guehi is a highly promising English defender who has quickly made a name for himself in the Premier League as one of the most talented young center-backs. Born on July 13, 2000, in the London Borough of Croydon, Guehi’s journey to becoming a key figure for Crystal Palace has been one of persistence, growth, and overcoming challenges. As of 2024, Guehi continues to impress with his leadership qualities, defensive skills, and maturity beyond his years.

Early Career and Development

Guehi’s football journey began in the youth academies of local clubs, with his potential recognized at an early age. He joined Chelsea’s famed academy at the age of 8, where he would develop his skills alongside some of the brightest young talents in English football. Over the years at Chelsea, Guehi’s defensive qualities began to shine, and he became known for his composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and tactical intelligence. His ability to read the game and make key interceptions marked him out as a future star, and it wasn’t long before he started to attract attention from coaches within the club.

Despite his strong performances in Chelsea’s youth teams, Guehi struggled to secure a regular spot in Chelsea's first-team squad, as the club was heavily stocked with world-class defenders. The fierce competition for places in Chelsea’s defense limited Guehi’s chances of breaking into the senior team, and in order to continue his development, he sought first-team experience elsewhere. This led to a loan move to Swansea City in the Championship for the 2020-2021 season.

Breakthrough at Swansea City

Guehi’s loan spell at Swansea City proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Playing regularly in the Championship under manager Steve Cooper, Guehi was able to showcase his full range of defensive skills. His composure, leadership, and ability to deal with high-pressure situations were key in Swansea’s defensive setup. Guehi quickly established himself as one of the standout defenders in the league, and his performances helped the club reach the Championship playoffs. He formed a solid partnership at the back and consistently impressed with his ability to play out from the back, a key attribute that is highly valued in modern football.

The loan spell at Swansea was a major stepping stone for Guehi, and it gave him the opportunity to play regularly at a competitive level. His time at Swansea helped him gain the confidence and experience he needed to make the leap to the Premier League, where he would face an entirely new level of competition and scrutiny.

Transfer to Crystal Palace

After an impressive season in the Championship, Guehi’s potential did not go unnoticed. In the summer of 2021, he made the move to Premier League side Crystal Palace for a reported £18 million, a transfer fee that reflected his growing reputation as one of the best young defenders in English football. At Crystal Palace, Guehi was immediately entrusted with a key role in the team’s defense, and he quickly became one of the most important players under manager Patrick Vieira.

Guehi’s style of play was well-suited to the demands of the Premier League. His ability to read the game, make crucial interceptions, and perform well in one-on-one duels made him a vital defensive asset for Palace. Additionally, Guehi’s composure on the ball and passing range made him a central figure in the team’s build-up play, helping to initiate attacks from the back. His ability to play out from defense was one of the key factors that led to his selection, as modern teams increasingly rely on their defenders to contribute to the attacking phase of play.

Over the course of the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, Guehi cemented his place as one of the top young defenders in the Premier League. His leadership skills also came to the forefront, with the young center-back often wearing the captain’s armband for Crystal Palace in the absence of more experienced players. Guehi’s leadership on the pitch is one of the standout attributes of his game. Despite being one of the younger members of the squad, he is vocal, organized, and calm under pressure, qualities that have made him a natural leader for the Eagles.

International Recognition

As Guehi continued to impress for Crystal Palace, his performances earned him a call-up to the England national team. He made his senior debut in 2022 and was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the UEFA Nations League. Guehi’s rise to the international stage has been a natural progression, given his form at club level. His inclusion in the national team reflects his growing stature in English football and the recognition of his qualities as a top-level defender.

Guehi’s ability to handle the pressure of playing for a club like Crystal Palace in the Premier League, along with his recent international appearances, shows that he is more than capable of competing at the highest level. His composure and maturity on the ball, combined with his defensive solidity, make him a strong candidate for further involvement with the national team in major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

Playing Style

Marc Guehi’s playing style is defined by his calmness under pressure, excellent positioning, and intelligence on the ball. He is a highly composed defender who rarely panics in one-on-one situations. His decision-making in key moments allows him to make crucial interceptions and clearances, often before an opponent can even get a shot off. Guehi’s strength in the air and his physicality make him a strong presence in set-piece situations, both defensively and offensively.

One of Guehi’s standout qualities is his ability to pass out from the back. In a footballing era that increasingly values defenders who can contribute to building up attacks, Guehi’s passing range sets him apart. He is comfortable playing both short passes to maintain possession and long balls to switch play or release attacking players. This technical ability gives Crystal Palace an extra dimension in their style of play, as they are able to transition smoothly from defense to attack.

Future Prospects

At just 24 years old, Marc Guehi’s future looks incredibly bright. He has already proven himself as one of the best young center-backs in the Premier League and has the potential to develop into a world-class defender in the years to come. His continued growth at Crystal Palace, along with his experience at the international level with England, suggests that he will become an even more influential figure in the future.

Crystal Palace fans will be hopeful that Guehi will continue to lead their defense for many seasons to come, and with his leadership skills and talent, it is not hard to imagine him becoming a key figure for both club and country for years to come. As he continues to mature as a player, Guehi’s name will likely become even more prominent on the radar of top clubs in England and across Europe. His combination of technical ability, leadership, and defensive prowess makes him a highly sought-after talent in the world of football.