Brazilian winger Allan finally made his Manchester City debut as City thumped Norwich City 5-0 in their third-round Carabao Cup tie. Allan arrived at City from Palmeiras during the summer and had to be patient before being given an opportunity to play by Enzo Maresca. Allan’s opportunity to start arrived against Norwich City and he showed more than enough after a tough opening 20 minutes to illustrate why City were so eager to sign him during the summer.
Allan had a tough start to his Manchester City but he grew into the game and got his reward.
Manchester City have taken a patient approach with Allan to give him time to adjust to life in England. He was finally handed his City debut against Norwich City and his display in the first 20 minutes was that of a player who needed to learn how English football is played. Early on, Allan was physically outmatched by Norwich City left-back Darlin Yongwa. Allan was knocked off the ball with ease as he got his first glimpse of the physicality in English football. However, to his credit Allan worked hard defensively for his team when he lost possession and he did grow into the game.
Allan did pick up his Manchester City first assist when his first cross from the right was headed home by Floyd Samba. That was a great moment for Allan as he played an important role in City’s opening goal. From there, his confidence grew and he got his reward at the beginning of the second half.
Manchester City began the second half with a 2-0 lead. Allan would make it 3-0 in the 48th minute. Maresca moved Allan from the right wing to the left for the second and the move paid dividends. Allan picked up the ball on the left and drove at the Norwich City defence. He worked himself into a great position then dropped his shoulder to his left before beating Daniel Grimshaw with a cool left-footed finish. It was a great moment from Allan to grab his first Manchester City goal and in one moment he showed the threat he will add to Enzo Maresca’s side once he adapts to life in England.
Enzo Maresca was happy with Allan’s City debut.
Speaking after his team booked themselves a fourth round Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, Enzo Maresca told the media he was happy with Allan’s Manchester City debut. Maresca was happy to see Allan make a contribution after a difficult opening 20 minutes. He explained: “I think it was a good performance. It was not easy – the first minutes here at home is always complicated.”
“I think it was important for him to play to see a little bit of the English competition is a bit different to South America, so overall, it was good, he scored a goal and an assist – I think he is happy!”
Allan provided a glimpse of what he will add to this Manchester City side against Norwich City. He will bring effort out of possession and trickery and an element of elegance in possession. Allan does have to adapt to the physicality of English football but all told he made a good impression against Norwich City in his City debut.
Original Source: Yahoo Sports
