Manchester City need one particular player back in midfield and they may have another solution to an issue | OneFootball

After an impressive 2-nil win over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St. James’ Park only just over a week ago, Manchester City seemed poised to kick on after that result and performance. But following that match, City have fallen to consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt. The manner of those defeats was a major cause for concern. Pep Guardiola’s side was too easy to play through, as City’s injury issues and poor performances from key players stood out. The Manchester City midfield has also been overrun in their past two matches.

City need Nico back from injury so he can alleviate the pressure on Rodri. There may also be another alternative besides the return of Bernardo Silva for Pep Guardiola to utilize to help shore up Manchester City’s midfield and take pressure off of Rodri.

If Nico is fit he can step into midfield and take pressure off of Rodri.

Rodri has been well below his usual high standards in each of Manchester City’s past two games. He has made uncharacteristic mistakes in possession, and his positioning out of possession and reading of the game haven’t been at his usual high standards. None of this is a major surprise. Rodri was always going to take time to get back to his best after suffering a serious ACL injury and several fitness setbacks throughout this season. The Spanish international looked frustrated against Bodø/Glimt and he was sent off after 62 minutes.

Bernardo Silva missed the Bodø/Glimt match due to suspension. That didn’t help his team or Rodri. Nico also missed the game due to injury. Pep Guardiola’s side needs Nico back as soon as possible. Nico was superb in Rodri’s absence in the early stages of this season. When fit, the Spanish midfielder had done a superb job providing stability to Manchester City’s midfield. He played a key role in the heart of Manchester City’s midfield. As Rodri has struggled recently, City have missed Nico and what he provides. He isn’t as adept in possession as Rodri is when he is at his best, but Nico keeps Manchester City’s possession play flowing and he is good in a duel. City have missed these attributes in their past two games.

There may be another option for Manchester City to consider.

Against Newcastle United, Nico O’Reilly started in midfield with Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden. O’Reilly held his own against the physical Newcastle midfield. The England international acquitted himself well and showed that he can play a role in midfield for Pep Guardiola’s side. Yes, Nico O’Reilly is extremely one-footed, being a left-footed player, but his physicality, size, and athleticism do give the Manchester City midfield another option. Nico O’Reilly could help Rodri in midfield if required. It is an option for Pep Guardiola to consider if needed.

The return of Rayan Ait-Nouri from AFCON gives Manchester City another option at left-back. Ait-Nouri can offer a threat going forward and play a similar role to the one Nico O’Reilly has played at left-back for City. Perhaps playing Nico O’Reilly in midfield is an option City can use to ease the burden on Rodri and also on Bernardo Silva. It is also an appealing option if Nico’s injury issue persists.

Summary.

The Manchester City midfield hasn’t been a strength of their play in their past two matches. As Rodri has struggled, so has the City midfield. It is hoped that Nico can return soon to alleviate the issues. If he isn’t back soon, perhaps shifting Nico O’Reilly into midfield may add the athleticism and youthful exuberance that could help Manchester City’s midfield get up and down the pitch in a much more efficient manner.