£200,000-a-week player should be used in a position he’s rarely played for Man City vs Arsenal

Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-03-27 13:30:00

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola faces tactical and selection dilemmas ahead of the game against Arsenal due to injuries to key defenders like Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji. This leaves limited options at the back for Guardiola, with Josko Gvardiol emerging as a potential choice for a center-back role against Arsenal. Despite Gvardiol’s lack of experience in this position for City, his qualities as a defender make him a viable option.

If Gvardiol is played as a left-back against Arsenal, he may struggle against the likes of Bukayo Saka, who is a highly skilled right winger. Gvardiol’s lack of experience in this position could be exploited by Saka’s overlapping runs. Deploying him as a center-back would utilize his strengths in assessing danger, positioning, and tackling, which are crucial qualities needed against a strong attacking team like Arsenal. Gvardiol’s passing abilities from defense could also benefit City in breaking lines and carrying the ball out from the back.

Despite Gvardiol’s limited experience as a center-back for Manchester City, his performances in that position for Croatia and RB Leipzig showcase his ability to handle high-stakes games. Playing him in his preferred role could be a risk worth taking, considering the qualities he brings to the defense. Ultimately, Guardiola may opt to use Gvardiol at center-back to maximize his defensive abilities and provide stability against Arsenal’s potent attack in a crucial game for City’s title aspirations.

Read Full article on Manchester City News