Over Manchester City’s past two games against Tottenham and Feyenoord, Josko Gvardiol has had a torrid time. In possession and going forward he has been quality. But he has made several costly errors which have directly led to goals in both matches. Gvardiol does look tired and low on confidence currently. But could shifting City’s Rolls Royce into the heart of City’s defence be a move worth considering for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool?
Playing at left-back in City’s past two games City’s Rolls Royce has been caught on in possession. It’s unlike Gvardiol to find himself in those positions. Tottenham’s opener came from an errant Gvardiol pass from deep in defence. Two of Feyenoord’s three goals came from similar errors. The strengths of Gvardiol’s game, since he arrived at Manchester City, have lent themselves to playing at left-back. But with Gvardiol low on confidence and appearing to be struggling physically, there does look to be merit in switching him to centre-back for Sunday’s game.
First of all, playing at centre-back would make the game a lot more simple for City’s Rolls Royce. Although playing centre-back in a Pep Guardiola side isn’t an easy task. Especially if Ruben Dias is fit to start at Anfield. Playing alongside Dias could be perfect for Gvardiol. He would be playing alongside City’s defensive leader and that should help the Croatian international. Of course that depends on if Dias is fit to start on Sunday.
Josko Gvardiol is also a top-quality centre-back in his own right. When he arrived at the world champions from RB Leipzig he was considered one of the best young centre-backs in the game. He has the game to play the role and moving him centrally could help him and Pep Guardiola’s side.
There is also one more variable in the equation. To move Gvardiol to centre-back Nathan Ake would likely have to move to left-back. The Dutch defender is more than capable of playing in the role. But he is currently working his own way back to full fitness. Ake played well against Feyenoord at centre-back before was substituted before City’s dramatic collapse. But playing at left-back is something Ake has done before and done well.
The idea of City’s Rolls Royce playing at centre-back does have merit. It may help Josko Gvardiol return to form. As Manchester City look to end their 6-game winless run it may be a move as simple as that which could help unlock City’s play. It remains to be seen if Pep Guardiola would make such a move but it is one worth considering for Sunday’s huge Premier League fixture.
