In time a Brazilian winger will be a quality contributor for Manchester City

Although it didn’t feel like it at the final whistle yesterday there were positives to take for Manchester City from their 1-all draw with Everton at the Etihad. Nathan Ake’s performance was one. There were also glimpses that Pep Guardiola’s side do still have it in them. That was on show during the game’s opening half-hour and just after halftime. Another positive was the performance of Brazilian winger Savinho. The Brazilian international showed that he will be a big contributor to Pep Guardiola’s side in time.

Savinho’s game yesterday wasn’t perfect by any stretch. At times his end product or decision-making wasn’t at the standard required. That stood out, especially in the first half. He squandered several good opportunities to shoot in the first half. But that confidence will come in time. His second-half performance was even more promising.

As Manchester City made their move in the lead-up to Erling Haaland’s penalty which was saved in the 51st minute, Savinho was at the heart of Manchester City’s attacking play to begin the second half. Playing on the right wing he tormented Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko. Savinho had one shot saved and won the penalty that Haaland subsequently squandered. For the majority of yesterday’s match, the Brazilian was Manchester City’s most dangerous player in the final third.

Although he drifted out of the game as did his team, Savinho showed yesterday he has the quality to be a key contributor for Manchester City in time. His dribbling ability makes him a dangerous weapon. His end product needs to improve, but you’d think that will come in time. But he has the tools to cut it at City, which was clear to see yesterday.

Savinho has shown glimpses of his talent this season. It is obvious to see when he plays like he did yesterday. But if he can add the end product to his game he could become a similar type of player to Riyad Mahrez. Manchester City lacks goal-scoring threats this season. That’s the challenge for Savinho to develop that side of his game. But his performance against Everton yesterday was full of promise. In a bleak run for Manchester City that was a positive to take from yesterday’s match.