Oscar Bobb emerges as potential secret weapon amid blistering pre-season form for Manchester City
THERE are few rarer things in the world of Dream Team than a viable bargain option from Manchester City.
No side has produced more points as a collective than Pep Guardiola’s troops in recent years and so it’s usually the case that their players are slapped with hefty price tags to reflect their pedigree.
But ahead of the 2024/25 season, Oscar Bobb (£2m) may have broken the mould.
The 21-year-old Norwegian has used the Citizens’ pre-season tour to stake his claim for a significant role once the new campaign gets underway for real.
With the summer squad depleted following the Euros and Copa America, Guardiola leaned heavily on the club’s youth players when fulfilling the recent stateside friendlies.
Bobb capitalised with a goal and two assists against Celtic, another assist versus Milan, and an excellent goal against Chelsea.
Such was the nature of his performances, there is now a clamour among fans for him to start against Manchester United in the Community Shield.
If Bobb is given the nod at Wembley this Saturday and continues his fine form, the likelihood of him getting significant minutes at Stamford Bridge in Gameweek 1 would increase even further.
Dream Team manager should therefore keep at least one eye on the Community Shield as it’s not everyday a viable City player is available for just £2million – such an eventuality would open some appealing doors.
It should go without saying that Bobb faces significant competition for a place in Guardiola’s first-choice XI.
However, the decorated tactician has never been afraid to name the big stars on the bench if he feels that’s best for the team and with the likes of Bernardo Silva (£4.5m), Phil Foden (£6.5m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£6.5m) starting their pre-season preparations later than most, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if Bobb momentarily topped the pecking order on the right flank.
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The Norway international is categorised as a forward in Dream Team but his cheap price surely negates that slight hindrance.
For example, a front three of Haaland, Alexander Isak (£5m) and Bobb works out at £15.5m, which would leave plenty of budget for a star-studded midfield.
Selecting Cole Palmer (£6m), Bukayo Saka (£6m), Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) and Eberechi Eze (£4.5m) would leave £13.5m for three defenders and a goalkeeper in a 3-4-3 formation – easily workable.
Of course, this strategy will only bear fruit if Bobb gets a decent run out at the start of the season.
If Guardiola is generous, Dream Team bosses may get an indication of City’s team selection in the week leading up their meeting with Chelsea.
With a current ownership of 0.6%, Bobb has the potential to be a real hidden gem if everything comes together.