Thirty-two minutes of action was all Sergio Augero needed to make a statement of intent for the season ahead. Manchester City had just opened the scoring against Swansea City and the little Argentinian trotted on to the pitch with a confident swagger. Like it was just another day at the office. Instead of his first start game in the Premier League, for the richest club in the world, who just paid a sum close to thirty-five million pounds for your services. You think he would look a little nervous, I certainly would be.
Eight minutes into his first shift El Kun immediately made an impact. An easy tap in to ease the pressure placed on his shoulders. Thats how quick and effortless it was to open up his Premier League scoring account. The perfect start on his debut in City blue. It was incredible to watch how Manchester City came to life as a collective when Aguero entered the game.
Before that it was David Silva doing all the work for the Citizens. He was brilliant all game. Constantly getting in the mix trying to create chances. Its amazing how lost City would be without Silva. When Aguero entered the two seemed to click right away and with that so did the rest of the team. It wasn't surprising to see the two combine to give City a three goal lead. Aguero went for the chip over Swans keeper Michel Vorm as he came rushing out but quickly realized it was going wide. Continuing his run was able to flick a backwards pass to Silva for the finish into the open goal. A great display of football.
Its a shame that video replay showed the ball had crossed the line and was out of bounds. It shouldn't have counted. Nonetheless this was the night of El Kun. He could do nothing wrong. Everything seemed to click, a substitute appearance that announced his arrival on the English scene. If that wasn't impressive enough Aguero saved his best for injury time. A wonder strike from 25 yards out put the exclamation point on the evening. What a perfect ending to a magical night for the young Argentine and blue side of Manchester.
My heart goes out to Michel Vrom. Swansea's keeper was also making his debut but was on the losing end. Allowing four goals on paper looks bad for keeper but in Vrom's case it wasn't deserved. I must have counted over a half dozen quality saves, City could have had at least eight goals by my count.
I wouldn't say surprising is the best word to describe Aguero's adaptation to the English game. He reminds me of a younger, more versatile version of compatriot Carlos Tevez. My amazement came from the ease in which he took control of the game. His first touch was a fantastic strike at goal almost seconds upon entering. I can't wait to see what he can do when given the full ninety minutes. His skill would elevate with the class of opposition standing across from him.
Roberto Mancini has five hundred million worth of player stock available. Two hundred million are on the bench alone. With another hundred or so not even suited to play, kind of surplus to requirements. Yet all that stands out for me is Silva and Aguero. Soon City supporters will forget all about Tevez and the drama that closely follows. Aguero has even more skill and a much lower profile despite being the son-in-law of Diego Maradona. City have purchased a real gem.
Will Sergio Aguero become the new and improved Carlos Tevez? My guess is he will eclipse his compatriot, but we shall soon see.
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