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City's third midfield spot dilemma. A THREAD
It is certain that Rodri and KDB will start the majority of the games in midfield. But there's one more spot available with four players competing for it. Gundogan, Bernardo, Fernandinho and Foden. Imo these four players should be...
It is certain that Rodri and KDB will start the majority of the games in midfield. But there's one more spot available with four players competing for it. Gundogan, Bernardo, Fernandinho and Foden. Imo these four players should be...
...rotated according to the teams and situation we are in, unless someone improves their form massively. Pep got the midfield player selections wrong a lot of times last year but there is a solution for this.(Everything said below is my opinion and what I feel is right).
1. Gundogan
He likes to stay in line with Rodri and control the game with rotation of passes or a quick through ball rather than venturing into the half spaces because he lacks the dynamism. This strength of his can be used against teams that presses high up and teams...
He likes to stay in line with Rodri and control the game with rotation of passes or a quick through ball rather than venturing into the half spaces because he lacks the dynamism. This strength of his can be used against teams that presses high up and teams...
...that want to go toe to toe against us like Leeds. We clearly missed a player who can control the midfield. We need Gundogan against the bigger teams like Madrid,Liverpool who believe that they can get the better of us by attacking us which leaves spaces in midfield to operate.
City fans often get frustrated with Rodri and Gundogan starting together in midfield and the results also show the reason.
Matches played together in PL: 13
Won 6, Lost 6, draw 1.
However, the results when they played with Mendy(natural LB)
Played 6, won 5, lost 1(Chelsea away)
Matches played together in PL: 13
Won 6, Lost 6, draw 1.
However, the results when they played with Mendy(natural LB)
Played 6, won 5, lost 1(Chelsea away)
Results when played with Zinchenko, Cancelo(makeshift LB)
Played 6, won 1, lost 4, draw 1
The reason is because Mendy's timing of overlap/underlap benefits Sterling(explained in the pic). Against teams with good defensive shape,Zinchenko/Joao at LB, Gundo at LCM is not effective.
Played 6, won 1, lost 4, draw 1
The reason is because Mendy's timing of overlap/underlap benefits Sterling(explained in the pic). Against teams with good defensive shape,Zinchenko/Joao at LB, Gundo at LCM is not effective.
2. Bernardo
Since he is a natural attacker he likes to drift into the box more than Gundogan. He also moves into the half spaces which creates space for others (explained in pic). His work rate is also unmatched but the problem is he cannot control the midfield like...
Since he is a natural attacker he likes to drift into the box more than Gundogan. He also moves into the half spaces which creates space for others (explained in pic). His work rate is also unmatched but the problem is he cannot control the midfield like...
... Gundogan or David Silva. Hence Bernardo can be used in midfield against teams that use midfield press and deep block or teams that put 11 men behind the ball and we have 70% or more possesion. His incredible work rate means he can quickly fall back and support Rodri.
3. Foden
Foden's attributes right now does not match David Silva. He is a player who likes to drop deep to receive the ball and then drive forward with it rather than drifting into half spaces and creating space for others. But he is just 20 and can improve these attributes.
Foden's attributes right now does not match David Silva. He is a player who likes to drop deep to receive the ball and then drive forward with it rather than drifting into half spaces and creating space for others. But he is just 20 and can improve these attributes.
Right now he is below Gundo and Bernardo in the pecking order for the central midfield slot imo but he can be used against teams that park the bus and lack dynamism and don't counter with pace(Eg: Burnley) or against teams that leave huge spaces in midfield.
4. Fernandinho
We all know he is not a long term solution for the midfield slot. But he can be used if we want to go defensive in structure or if we have to protect a lead. His dynamism and pace helps Rodri and the defensive unit massively as we saw against Wolves.
We all know he is not a long term solution for the midfield slot. But he can be used if we want to go defensive in structure or if we have to protect a lead. His dynamism and pace helps Rodri and the defensive unit massively as we saw against Wolves.
To sum up:
Gundogan: Teams that press high up and wants to go toe to toe (Eg: Liverpool). Also can play as No.6 against teams that park the bus.
Bernardo: Teams that use deep block and try to counter with pace.
Foden: Teams with good defensive structure and lack the pace...
Gundogan: Teams that press high up and wants to go toe to toe (Eg: Liverpool). Also can play as No.6 against teams that park the bus.
Bernardo: Teams that use deep block and try to counter with pace.
Foden: Teams with good defensive structure and lack the pace...
to counter and are not dynamic.
Fernandinho: To protect the lead and provide a good defensive structure.
Last season we lost many games because Pep didn't get his player combinations right several times especially in midfield. Hopefully he can get it right this time.
Fernandinho: To protect the lead and provide a good defensive structure.
Last season we lost many games because Pep didn't get his player combinations right several times especially in midfield. Hopefully he can get it right this time.
