Manchester City: 5 Lessons Pep Guardiola should learn from Celtic draw
5. Reconsider midfield without De Bruyne
Pep Guadiola once again fielded a midfield with three players centrally. In this game it was David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho. In previous games, Kevin De Bruyne was a pivotal part of that area of the team.
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De Bruyne is facing time on the sidelines, though, and Guardiola may have to revisit his midfield moving forward. The trio have worked together well at times and not so much at others. The balance is questionable.
Gundogan often gets caught up the field ahead of the ball and Silva is not particularly quick these days. The Spaniard never was but now he’s even slower than ever. Fernandinho isn’t afraid to go wandering either.
De Bruyne works hard and he can get back and help cover when necessary, but Silva can’t be relied upon to do that. Neither can Gundogan when he’s on his back somewhere in the opponents penalty box.
Next: Everton vs. Crystal Palace: Combined XI
Either Gundogan needs to sit and hold his position more whilst De Bruyne is out or Silva might need to be replaced in that part of the team. In games where City totally dominate the ball, everything will look great.
But in games like the one against Celtic, the City midfield looks a little slow, open and vulnerable.