Schalke vs Manchester City: Could former Tottenham players Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Stambouli dent City’s Euro ambitions?

Schalke vs Manchester City: Could former Tottenham players Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Stambouli dent City’s Euro ambitions?
Manchester City travel to Germany to take on Schalke in the Champions League LIVE on talkSPORT on Wednesday and they will run into a number of familiar faces.Rabbi Matondo, the talented 18-year-old who left City in January after failing to make a first-team appearance, has since started twice for Schalke.3

Bentaleb is a key player for Schalke

Matija Nastasic, the ex-City defender, who was considered one of the top young talents in his position, but found opportunities limited due to a series of injuries.However, it could be an pair of former Tottenham players,Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Stambouli who may dent City’s ambitions of progressing in Europe. Bentaleb arrived at Spurs the season before theMauricio Pochettino era had begun and showed plenty of promise under Tim Sherwood. The Algerian international would enjoy a decent spell under Pochettino,preferred to Mousa Dembele, he played 25 times, but the pair soon fell out.I was young and when I came back from injuries, I wanted to play, he said to the Independent.”I was so hungry to play straight away, and so frustrated when I didnt play. I know that the coach was just doing this to protect me.Bentaleb was soon loaned to Schalke in 2016 before making the deal permanent the following season. In that time he has matured and become one of the club’s key players, his six goals this season make him their top scorer, while his only goal in the competition came in a 3-1 losing effort against Porto.3

Bentaleb in action against City in 2015

Going on Bentaleb’s past experiences, he will not have particularly fond memories of facing tomorrow’s opponents.In his two appearances against City, Bentaleb lost on both occasions, first 5-1 in his debut season and then 1-0 in 2015.Stambouli featured more sparingly during his solitary season at the club between 2014-15 following his arrival from Montpellier, playing just 12 times in the league and although he featured consistently in Spurs run to that year’s League Cup final, he could never quite hold down a place in the starting XI.3

Stambouli is much improved for Schalke

Since arriving at Schalke, his versatility has helped him to become a vital member of Domenico Tedescos exciting team and fans have taken him to their heart, with loyal supports wearing t-shirts at matches with the slogan, ‘you havent got a chance, youre playing against Benjamin Stambouli’, referencing his solid, no-nonsense style, reminiscent to his days in France, that earned him a move to England.If City do want to give themselves a chance of reaching the quarter-final, they will have to keep a close watch on two rejuvenated players, hoping to make a statement.

Champions League on talkSPORT

Leroy Sane could line up against his former club when Schalke host Manchester City live on talkSPORT at 20:00 on Wendesday 20 February

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