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Man City loanee is the perfect Ruben Dias replacement, his debut stats speak volumes
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- Man City loanee is the perfect Ruben Dias replacement, his debut stats speak volumes
Max Alleyne was superb for Burnley as they drew 2-2 with West Ham United in their Championship opener.
The 21-year-old is spending the season on loan with the Clarets, and got off to a great start at Turf Moor.
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The England youth international is very highly rated and a potential future Ruben Dias replacement, having been picked to return by Pep Guardiola last season.
Alleyne was brought back from his loan at Watford with the Citizens in an injury crisis at the back, and even scored in the FA Cup against Exeter City.
But once Marc Guehi had been signed from Crystal Palace in January, the young defender returned to the bench and was reduced to appearances in the cups.
He will now hope to impress new manager Enzo Maresca while on loan at Burnley, and has already presented one strong argument.
Max Alleyne's superb stats vs West Ham
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Alleyne had already shown signs of being a superb defender during his time at Watford, and he has continued to.
The former Southampton youngster has taken to senior football with ease, and is among the most exciting defensive talents England have to look forward to.
The 21-year-old even claimed an assist on his Burnley debut on Sunday, taking advantage of a set piece scuffle to lay off the ball for Zian Flemming , who smashed home for the equaliser.
It was Alleyne's dominance at the back that caught the eye, however. The defender won a duel, made a block and an interception.
But even more impressively, the Manchester City loanee made an extraordinary seven clearances and 10 recoveries.
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Ruben Dias can play key role in Man City deal to sign PSG gem What did Pep Guardiola think of Alleyne?
For Man City players especially, there is no better manager to hear praise for yourself from than Guardiola.
The Spaniard is not afraid to be critical when it is appropriate, and his opinion carries massive weight not only at the Etihad Stadium, but in world football.
Alleyne's return to Man City in January saw him thrown straight in against Brighton at home - a game they would draw 1-1.
"Max arrived two days ago and did one training session yesterday," Guardiola said on his display after the game. "Of course, in the past he was training with us a lot.
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"I say thank you to Watford and Javi Gracia, they helped him a lot to grow up as a football player. He was fast in transition and was really exceptional. He missed one ball but the rest, he was top.
"Unfortunately today we could not deliver a win in the Premier League, but he will have many in the future."
