Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-02-18 11:30:00
Pep Guardiola’s decision to start Julian Alvarez instead of Phil Foden in the midfield against Chelsea raised some eyebrows. Foden, who had previously excelled in a brilliant display from the right flank against Copenhagen, was moved to the right flank for the match against Chelsea. This position, combined with Rodri playing on the right side of midfield, made Foden more involved in the game than on previous occasions. With Bernardo Silva already starting on the left-hand side of the field, there was a balance to the team’s overall performance.
The decision to bench Bernardo Silva and bring in Julian Alvarez seemed surprising to many, especially considering Foden’s natural position as a midfielder. Foden’s recent hat-trick while playing in midfield against Brentford further highlighted his proficiency in that role. This, in addition to his technical skills and ability to manipulate the ball, made him a more suitable option, especially in the face of Chelsea’s high press.
During the match, it was evident that Alvarez, although trying to contribute to building out of the back, struggled to make an impact. This further emphasized the fact that Foden would have been a better fit for the midfield role. As the match continued, it was clear that City was in desperate need of a boost, and the decision to bring in Foden in the 64th minute was too late to change the game. This, along with the sluggish build-up play of the team, only added to their struggles. Guardiola’s insistence on playing Alvarez as one of the creators was puzzling, especially against a team like Chelsea.
In conclusion, Pep Guardiola’s decision to start Julian Alvarez instead of Phil Foden in the midfield against Chelsea seemed questionable to many, considering Foden’s previous success in the midfield position. This decision did not yield the desired results, and it was evident that Foden’s presence could have potentially made a positive impact on the game.
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